Crank

English Meaning

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.

1. A device for transmitting rotary motion, consisting of a handle or arm attached at right angles to a shaft.
2. A clever turn of speech; a verbal conceit: quips and cranks.
3. A peculiar or eccentric idea or action.
4. Informal A grouchy person.
5. Informal An eccentric person, especially one who is unduly zealous.
6. Slang Methamphetamine.
7. To start or operate (an engine, for example) by or as if by turning a handle.
8. To move or operate (a window, for example) by or as if by turning a handle.
9. To make into the shape of a crank; bend.
10. To provide with a handle that is used in turning.
11. To turn a handle.
12. To wind in a zigzagging course.
13. Of, being, or produced by an eccentric person: a crank letter; a crank phone call.
14. crank out To produce, especially mechanically and rapidly: cranks out memo after memo.
15. crank up To cause to start or get started as if by turning a crank: cranked up a massive publicity campaign.
16. crank up To cause to intensify, as in volume or force: cranks up the sound on the stereo.
17. Nautical Liable to capsize; unstable.