How Do You Spell CRANK?

Pronunciation: [kɹˈaŋk] (IPA)

The word "crank" is spelled with the letters c-r-a-n-k. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /kræŋk/. The first sound, /k/, is a voiceless velar stop. The second sound, /r/, is an alveolar approximant. The third sound, /æ/, is a front vowel. The fourth sound, /ŋ/, is a velar nasal. The final sound, /k/, is another voiceless velar stop. When pronounced correctly, the word "crank" sounds crisp and distinct, with a slight emphasis on the second syllable.

CRANK Meaning and Definition

  1. Crank can be defined as a noun and a verb, encompassing multiple meanings depending on the context. As a noun, crank refers to a mechanical or manual device used for turning or rotating something, often involving a handle or lever. It can also describe an eccentric or peculiar person who holds unconventional or extreme beliefs or ideas outside societal norms, often displaying erratic behavior or quirky habits.

    In the context of machinery, crank is a key component that converts linear reciprocating motion into rotational motion, typically utilizing a lever arm attached to a rotating wheel or shaft. This allows the device to function efficiently and perform certain tasks such as moving parts, generating power, or transferring motion between different mechanisms.

    As a verb, crank refers to the act of starting or operating a mechanical device, usually by turning a handle or lever in order to set the mechanism in motion. It can also denote the action of increasing speed or intensity in a gradual or steady manner.

    In a colloquial sense, crank is used to describe someone who is irritable, ill-tempered, or difficult to deal with. It can also be used to describe dishonest or unreliable behavior, such as when someone acts in a deceitful or manipulative manner.

    Additionally, the term crank can have specific connotations within different domains, including drug addiction, as it is sometimes associated with the illicit production or usage of methamphetamine or other narcotics. However, it is worth noting that these specialized meanings are not prevalent in general usage.

  2. • Anything bent or turned; in a machine, an iron axis bent and jointed like an arm, used for changing a rotatory motion into a horizontal or perpendicular one, or the contrary; a metal brace.
    • Inclined to heel over, as a ship that wants steadiness; liable to be upset.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CRANK *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CRANK

Etymology of CRANK

The word "crank" has a variety of meanings, so we'll focus on its etymology related to mechanical devices and eccentric individuals.

The term "crank" in the sense of a mechanical device comes from Middle English "cranke", which means "bent, crooked". This Middle English word was borrowed from Old Norse "krankr", meaning "bent or twisted". It is believed that "krankr" ultimately has Germanic roots.

Furthermore, the word "crank" also evolved to describe an eccentric or eccentrically behaving individual. This sense of the word is believed to have originated from the idea that such individuals are "unstable" or "mentally twisted" similar to the mechanical crank's bent or twisted shape. This sense of the word emerged in the early 17th century and has its etymological basis in the mechanical sense.

Idioms with the word CRANK

  • crank up sth The idiom "crank up something" means to increase, intensify, or raise the level or intensity of something, typically a machine, activity, or event. It often implies putting in more effort, energy, power, or volume to achieve a desired outcome.
  • crank out sth The idiom "crank out something" refers to the act of producing or creating something in a rapid or continuous manner, often with little regard for quality or meticulousness. It implies a quick and sometimes mechanical approach to completing a task or producing a large quantity of something.
  • crank sth up The idiom "crank sth up" means to increase the intensity, volume, power, or activity of something. It implies making something get stronger, louder, more active, or more forceful. It can be used in various contexts, such as adjusting the volume of a sound system, increasing the speed of machinery, or escalating the level of a particular activity or performance.
  • crank sth out The idiom "crank something out" means to produce or create something quickly and in large quantities, often without paying much attention to quality or detail. It implies the act of doing something rapidly or mechanically, without much thought or effort.
  • crank sm up The idiom "crank it up" or "crank them up" generally means to increase the energy, intensity, or volume of something, often referring to music, a party, a performance, or any situation that requires more excitement or fervor. It signifies the act of making something louder, stronger, or more powerful.
  • crank out The idiom "crank out" typically means to produce or create something quickly and in large quantities, often with little attention to quality or detail. It suggests a rapid and mechanical process of completing tasks or generating work without much thought or effort.
  • crank up The idiom "crank up" means to increase or boost the intensity, volume, or speed of something. It is often used in reference to increasing the power or activity level of a machine, system, or process. It can also be used metaphorically to describe escalating or intensifying a situation, project, or effort.
  • crank in/into (something) The idiom "crank in/into (something)" typically refers to the act of incorporating, integrating, or adding something to a system or process. It usually implies the notion of forcefully or vigorously initiating a new component or element into an existing system.
  • turn (someone's) crank The idiom "turn (someone's) crank" means to excite or please someone, to appeal to someone's interests or preferences, or to stimulate someone's enthusiasm or passion for something.
  • crank someone up The idiom "crank someone up" is used to describe the act of getting someone excited, energized, or enthusiastic about something. It means to inspire or motivate someone, often by increasing their enthusiasm or passion for a particular activity or idea.
  • crank something out The idiom "crank something out" means to produce or create something quickly and effortlessly, especially in large quantities. It implies the act of working diligently and efficiently to complete a task or project without much effort or thought.
  • crank something up The idiom "crank something up" means to increase the intensity, volume, or speed of something, often a machine, music, or activity. It involves making something go faster, louder, or more energetic.
  • crank in The idiom "crank in" typically refers to the act of adjusting or fine-tuning something, especially a machine or engine, by using a crank or lever. It can also be used figuratively to mean making minor adjustments or modifications to a plan, process, or situation.
  • yank someone’s crank The idiom "yank someone's crank" is a colloquial expression used to refer to deliberately irritating or provoking someone, usually by saying or doing something that intentionally provokes a negative reaction or annoyance. It implies intentionally pushing someone's buttons or aggravating them for one's own amusement or satisfaction.
  • crank letter A "crank letter" refers to a letter or communication that is written by someone who is mentally unstable or eccentric, often containing bizarre, irrational, or unfounded claims or complaints. It is typically sent to public figures, organizations, or individuals, exhibiting an obsessive or delusional nature. The term "crank" in this context suggests a person who is irrational, peculiar, or obsessed with a particular belief or cause.
  • bathtub crank Bathtub crank is a slang term for a low-quality or impure form of methamphetamine that is typically produced in small quantities and has a low potency.
  • crank bugs The idiom "crank bugs" refers to small, irritating issues or problems that disrupt or annoy someone. It can also refer to minor technical glitches or malfunctions.

Similar spelling words for CRANK

Plural form of CRANK is CRANKS

Conjugate verb Crank

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have cranked
you would have cranked
he/she/it would have cranked
we would have cranked
they would have cranked
I would have crank
you would have crank
he/she/it would have crank
we would have crank
they would have crank

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been cranking
you would have been cranking
he/she/it would have been cranking
we would have been cranking
they would have been cranking

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would crank
you would crank
he/she/it would crank
we would crank
they would crank

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be cranking
you would be cranking
he/she/it would be cranking
we would be cranking
they would be cranking

FUTURE

I will crank
you will crank
he/she/it will crank
we will crank
they will crank

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be cranking
you will be cranking
he/she/it will be cranking
we will be cranking
they will be cranking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have cranked
you will have cranked
he/she/it will have cranked
we will have cranked
they will have cranked

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been cranking
you will have been cranking
he/she/it will have been cranking
we will have been cranking
they will have been cranking

IMPERATIVE

you crank
we let´s crank

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to crank

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was cranking
you were cranking
he/she/it was cranking
we were cranking
they were cranking

PAST PARTICIPLE

cranked

PAST PERFECT

I had cranked
you had cranked
he/she/it had cranked
we had cranked
they had cranked

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been cranking
you had been cranking
he/she/it had been cranking
we had been cranking
they had been cranking

PRESENT

I crank
you crank
he/she/it cranks
we crank
they crank

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am cranking
you are cranking
he/she/it is cranking
we are cranking
they are cranking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

cranking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have cranked
you have cranked
he/she/it has cranked
we have cranked
they have cranked

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been cranking
you have been cranking
he/she/it has been cranking
we have been cranking
they have been cranking

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it crank

SIMPLE PAST

I cranked
you cranked
he/she/it cranked
we cranked
they cranked

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