crank
crank1 definition
crank (kraŋk)
noun
- a handle or arm bent at right angles and connected to a shaft of a machine, used to transmit motion or to change rotary motion into reciprocating motion, or vice versa
- Informal
- a person who has odd, stubborn notions about something; eccentric
- an irritable, complaining person; cranky person
- Archaic a bend or turn
- Rare
- a fanciful or unusual turn of speech or thought; conceit
- a queer or fantastic action or idea; whim; caprice
Etymology: ME < OE cranc-, as in crancstæf, yarn comb, cringe, crinkle: basic sense “something twisted”: for IE base see cradle
transitive verb
- to form into the shape of a crank
- to start or operate by means of a crank
- Rare to provide with a crank
intransitive verb
- to turn a crank, as in starting an engine or operating a device
- Obsolete to wind and twist; zigzag
crank Idioms
crank out
☆Informal to produce at a steady and prolific rate: used to suggest automatic or machinelike production an author who cranks out bestsellers
crank up
Informal- to get started
- ☆ to increase, esp. to a high level, the loudness, speed, etc. of to crank up the volume on a stereo
crank2 definition
crank (kraŋk)
crank3 definition
crank (kraŋk)
adjective
- Now Dial. high-spirited; lively
- cocky
Etymology: LME cranke < ?
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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