crankcase

American  

[krangk-keys] / ˈkræŋkˌkeɪs /

noun

1. (in an internal-combustion engine) the housing that encloses the crankshaft, connecting rods, and allied parts.

---

crankcase British  

/ ˈkræŋkˌkeɪs /

noun

1. the metal housing that encloses the crankshaft, connecting rods, etc, in an internal-combustion engine, reciprocating pump, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of crankcase

First recorded in 1875–80; crank ¹ + case ²

Example Sentences

For your mechanic’s future reference, the fuel pump is now inside the crankcase, being driven by the engine balance shaft.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Any methane left in the engine crankcase and fuel lines is automatically flushed into the atmosphere - and CalMac has yet to establish how much will be released.

From BBC • Dec. 30, 2024

The air here smells like crankcase oil — as it has for decades — but there is far less activity now than there was just three years ago, and local communities are feeling the pinch.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2022

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say there could be an electrical short in the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 9, 2022

There were gummy stains on it, too, like crankcase drainings or old strawberry jam.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut