crank crank /ˈkræŋk/

adjective

1. (used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail  ( crank , tender , tippy , cranky [Informal] )
   (used of boats) inclined to heel over easily under sail
   

noun

1. A hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle  ( crank , starter )
   a hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle
   
   
2. [Informal] An amphetamine derivative (trade name Methedrine) used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride; used as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an appetite suppressant  ( chalk [Informal] , chicken feed , crank [Informal] , deoxyephedrine , glass [Informal] , ice [Informal] , meth [Informal] , methamphetamine , methamphetamine hydrochloride , Methedrine , shabu [Informal, Asia] , trash [Informal] , crystal meth , gak [Informal] )
   an amphetamine derivative (trade name Methedrine) used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride; used as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an appetite suppressant
   
   
3. A whimsically eccentric person  ( crank , fruitcake [Informal] , nut [Informal] , crackpot [Informal] , nut case , screwball [Informal] )
   a whimsically eccentric person
   
4. A bad-tempered person  ( churl , crank , crosspatch , grouch , grump )
   a bad-tempered person
   
   

verb

1. Bend into the shape of a crank  ( crank )
   bend into the shape of a crank
   
2. Fasten with a crank  ( crank )
   fasten with a crank
   
3. Rotate with a crank  ( crank , crank up )
   rotate with a crank
   
4. Start by cranking  ( crank , crank up )
   start by cranking
    Crank up the engine
   crank up the engine
   
5. Travel along a zigzag path  ( crank , zigzag )
   travel along a zigzag path
    The river zigzags through the countryside
   The river zigzags through the countryside