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
2. Also called: crank handle, starting handle
a handle incorporating a crank, used to start an engine or motor
3. informal
a.
an eccentric or odd person, esp someone who stubbornly maintains unusual views
b. US and Canadian
a bad-tempered person
4. a slang name for crystal meth
verb
5. (transitive)
to rotate (a shaft) by means of a crank
6. (transitive)
to start (an engine, motor, etc) by means of a crank handle
7. (transitive)
to bend, twist, or make into the shape of a crank
8. (intransitive) obsolete
to twist or wind
Word origin
Old English cranc; related to Middle Low German krunke wrinkle, Dutch krinkelcrinkle
Examples of 'crank handle' in a sentence
crank handle
The driver clawed his way round the car, opened his front door and reached in for the crank handle he kept under the seat.
Leasor, James TANK OF SERPENTS
Three hours later it was back on the road and started the first time the crank handle was turned.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Turning the crank handle for just five minutes yields 20 minutes of light, and it comes with batteries and an adaptor for the less energetic.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Motoring has certainly come a long way since drivers started their engines with a crank handle and usedelbow power to wind down the windows.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He said that would be a bit like ordering a car with a crank handle.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
You charge it up with a crank handle -about 20 seconds for 20 minutes' play -or playit solar-powered continuously in direct sunlight.