'Crank' definitions:

Definition of 'crank'

(from WordNet)
adjective
(used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail [syn: crank, cranky, tender, tippy]
noun
A bad-tempered person [syn: grouch, grump, crank, churl, crosspatch]
noun
A whimsically eccentric person [syn: crackpot, crank, nut, nut case, fruitcake, screwball]
noun
An amphetamine derivative (trade name Methedrine) used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride; used as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an appetite suppressant [syn: methamphetamine, methamphetamine hydrochloride, Methedrine, meth, deoxyephedrine, chalk, chicken feed, crank, glass, ice, shabu, trash]
noun
A hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle [syn: crank, starter]
verb
Travel along a zigzag path; "The river zigzags through the countryside" [syn: zigzag, crank]
verb
Start by cranking; "crank up the engine" [syn: crank, crank up]
verb
Rotate with a crank [syn: crank, crank up]
verb
Fasten with a crank
verb
Bend into the shape of a crank

Definition of 'Crank'

From: GCIDE
  • Crank \Crank\ (kr[a^][ng]k), n. [OE. cranke; akin to E. cringe, cringle, crinkle, and to crank, a., the root meaning, probably, "to turn, twist." See Cringe.]
  • 1. (Mach.) A bent portion of an axle, or shaft, or an arm keyed at right angles to the end of a shaft, by which motion is imparted to or received from it; also used to change circular into reciprocating motion, or reciprocating into circular motion. See Bell crank. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Any bend, turn, or winding, as of a passage. [1913 Webster]
  • So many turning cranks these have, so many crooks. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A twist or turn in speech; a conceit consisting in a change of the form or meaning of a word. [1913 Webster]
  • Quips, and cranks, and wanton wiles. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. A twist or turn of the mind; caprice; whim; crotchet; also, a fit of temper or passion. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]
  • Violent of temper; subject to sudden cranks. --Carlyle. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. A person full of crotchets; one given to fantastic or impracticable projects; one whose judgment is perverted in respect to a particular matter. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
  • 6. A sick person; an invalid. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • Thou art a counterfeit crank, a cheater. --Burton. [1913 Webster]
  • Crank axle (Mach.), a driving axle formed with a crank or cranks, as in some kinds of locomotives.
  • Crank pin (Mach.), the cylindrical piece which forms the handle, or to which the connecting rod is attached, at the end of a crank, or between the arms of a double crank.
  • Crank shaft, a shaft bent into a crank, or having a crank fastened to it, by which it drives or is driven.
  • Crank wheel, a wheel acting as a crank, or having a wrist to which a connecting rod is attached. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Crank'

From: GCIDE
  • Crank \Crank\ (kr[a^][ng]k), a. [AS. cranc weak; akin to Icel. krangr, D. & G. krank sick, weak (cf. D. krengen to careen). Cf. Crank, n.]
  • 1. Sick; infirm. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Naut.) Liable to careen or be overset, as a ship when she is too narrow, or has not sufficient ballast, or is loaded too high, to carry full sail. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Full of spirit; brisk; lively; sprightly; overconfident; opinionated. [1913 Webster]
  • He who was, a little before, bedrid, . . . was now crank and lusty. --Udall. [1913 Webster]
  • If you strong electioners did not think you were among the elect, you would not be so crank about it. --Mrs. Stowe. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Crank'

From: GCIDE
  • Crank \Crank\, v. i. [See Crank, n.] To run with a winding course; to double; to crook; to wind and turn. [1913 Webster]
  • See how this river comes me cranking in. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'crank'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Crank'