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Crank
01
a device that allows movement between mechanical parts of a machine or converts backward and forward motion into circular movement
Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Inanimate
Composition
Simple
Countable
Plural form
cranks
Examples
The engineer used a crank to manually adjust the height of the lifting mechanism.
02
an unconventional person
Examples
He 's a charming crank with unusual hobbies.
03
methamphetamine, typically in powdered or crystalline form, often used recreationally
Slang
Examples
He bought some crank from a dealer downtown.
04
a person who is easily irritated or bad-tempered
Examples
Do n't mind him; he 's always been a crank.
to crank
01
to rotate, turn, or operate using a crank handle
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
crank
3rd person singular
cranks
Present participle
cranking
Past simple
cranked
Past participle
cranked
Examples
He cranked the winch to raise the sail.
02
to bend, twist, or shape something into the form of a crank
Examples
The metal rod was cranked to fit the machine.
03
to fasten or secure using a crank mechanism
Examples
The gate was cranked closed during the storm.
04
to start an engine or device by turning a crank
Examples
He cranked the motorbike to start the engine.
05
to travel, move, or progress along a zigzag or winding path
Examples
The river cranked through the valley.
crank
01
(of a boat) tending to heel, tip, or lean over easily under sail
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
qualitative
Superlative
crankest
Comparative
cranker
gradable
Examples
The small dinghy is crank and needs careful handling in strong winds.
Lexical Tree
cranky
crank
