What does "crankshaft" mean?
A rotating shaft with throws (parts that stick out) and which drives, is driven by (cranked by), or functions as a crank.
Crankshaft
noun, verb
noun, verb ·2 syllables ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A rotating shaft with throws (parts that stick out) and which drives, is driven by (cranked by), or functions as a crank.
- Grammar: crankshaft is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: accelerator, auto, automobile, connected rod shaft.
- Useful contrasts: static shaft, stationary shaft.
- Usage evidence: As I turned the handle of the crankshaft, the old tractor sputtered to life.
How to use "crankshaft"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "crankshaft" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "crankshaft" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "crankshaft" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 A rotating shaft with throws (parts that stick out) and which drives, is driven by (cranked by), or functions as a crank.
- 2 a rotating shaft driven by (or driving) a crank wordnet
Verb
- 1 To deform in such a manner that part of the rod or bolt is displaced sideways, offset from the longitudinal axis of the part, but remains parallel with the part's main longitudinal axis, with the final shape somewhat resembling a crankshaft.
"The attachment of the inboard end of the gear beam was damaged but remained intact; the drag strut fuse pin had 'crankshafted' in a direction indicating that a load had been applied in tension but this had also remained intact."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
static shaftstationary shaft
Example
"As I turned the handle of the crankshaft, the old tractor sputtered to life."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "crankshaft"?
Common synonyms include: accelerator, auto, automobile, connected rod shaft, crank throw shaft, engine.
How do you use "crankshaft" in a sentence?
As I turned the handle of the crankshaft, the old tractor sputtered to life.
Etymology
From crank + shaft.