Word
crankshaft
Phoneticscrank·shaft, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɹæŋkˌʃæft/
UK/kɹˈæŋkʃɑːft/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a long metal bar with arms that turns the power from an engine into a circular motion. It is a key part of a car's engine that helps the wheels move.
n. a long metal shaft with a series of cranks and journals, used to convert reciprocating motion into rotary motion. It is a fundamental component of internal combustion engines and steam engines.
Examples
“The mechanic replaced the worn crankshaft in the engine.”
“A damaged crankshaft can cause the engine to seize, requiring a complete engine rebuild to restore functionality.”
“Modern high-performance engines utilize forged steel crankshafts to withstand the immense torsional stresses generated by high-revving combustion cycles and heavy turbocharging.”
Examples
simple
“The mechanic replaced the worn crankshaft in the engine.”
contextual
“A damaged crankshaft can cause the engine to seize, requiring a complete engine rebuild to restore functionality.”
complex
“Modern high-performance engines utilize forged steel crankshafts to withstand the immense torsional stresses generated by high-revving combustion cycles and heavy turbocharging.”
Etymology
From crank + shaft.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/crankshaft