Origin of crank
1OTHER WORDS FROM crank
crank·less, adjective non·crank·ing, adjective un·cranked, adjectiveWords nearby crank
Definition for crank (2 of 3)
crank
2
[ krangk ]
/ kræŋk /
adjective Nautical.
noun
a crank vessel.
Origin of crank
2
1690–1700; probably to be identified with
crank1, but sense developement unclear; cf.
crank-sided
Definition for crank (3 of 3)
crank
3
[ krangk ]
/ kræŋk /
adjective British Dialect.
lively; high-spirited.
Origin of crank
3
1350–1400; Middle English
cranke, of obscure origin
OTHER WORDS FROM crank
crank·ly, adverb crank·ness, nounExample sentences from the Web for crank
British Dictionary definitions for crank (1 of 2)
crank
1
/ (kræŋk) /
noun
a device for communicating motion or for converting reciprocating motion into rotary motion or vice versa. It consists of an arm projecting from a shaft, often with a second member attached to it parallel to the shaft
Also called: crank handle, starting handle
a handle incorporating a crank, used to start an engine or motor
informal
- an eccentric or odd person, esp someone who stubbornly maintains unusual views
- US and Canadian a bad-tempered person
verb
See also
crank up
Word Origin for crank
Old English
cranc; related to Middle Low German
krunke wrinkle, Dutch
krinkel
crinkle
British Dictionary definitions for crank (2 of 2)
crank
2
cranky
/ (kræŋk) /
adjective
(of a sailing vessel) easily keeled over by the wind; tender
Word Origin for crank
C17: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to
crank
1