crankshaft

[ krangk-shaft, -shahft ]

/ ˈkræŋkˌʃæft, -ˌʃɑft /

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noun Machinery.

a shaft having one or more cranks, usually formed as integral parts.

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Origin of crankshaft

First recorded in 1850–55; crank¹ + shaft

Words nearby crankshaft

crankle, crank letter, Cranko, crank out, crankpin, crankshaft, crank-sided, crank-up, cranky, Cranmer, crannequin

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use crankshaft in a sentence

In a traditional race car, anti-lag works by adjusting the engine’s timing, which is where spark and fuel ignite in relation to the rotation of the crankshaft.
Ford’s new Bronco Raptor is made for off-roading—at high speeds|Rob Stumpf|January 29, 2022|Popular-Science
As a result of all this, an engine with a crossplane crankshaft is better stabilized and has decreased noise, vibration, and harshness.
The new Corvette Z06 is a ruthless machine with a sound to match|Rob Stumpf|October 27, 2021|Popular-Science
Crankpins are evenly spaced along the length of the crankshaft—one crankpin for each cylinder.
The new Corvette Z06 is a ruthless machine with a sound to match|Rob Stumpf|October 27, 2021|Popular-Science
Heavier rotational mass means a less responsive engine, and a larger crankshaft means less compact engine packaging.
The new Corvette Z06 is a ruthless machine with a sound to match|Rob Stumpf|October 27, 2021|Popular-Science

While this might just look like any other V8, its flat-plane crankshaft makes all the difference.
The new Corvette Z06 is a ruthless machine with a sound to match|Rob Stumpf|October 27, 2021|Popular-Science
Now motor car engines of whatever type, and whether water-cooled or air-cooled, had fixed cylinders and a revolving crankshaft.
The Romance of Aircraft|Lawrence Yard Smith
The piston rod transmits the power to the crankshaft, a long rotating piece of steel.
The Romance of Aircraft|Lawrence Yard Smith
Cast-iron pistons are used, and are connected to the crankshaft in the same manner as with the Gnome and Le Rhone engines.
A History of Aeronautics|E. Charles Vivian
The crankshaft carried a pinion gearing with an internally toothed wheel on the transmission shaft which carried the air-screw.
A History of Aeronautics|E. Charles Vivian
Lubrication was by means of two pumps, one scavenging and one suction, oil being fed under pressure from the crankshaft.
A History of Aeronautics|E. Charles Vivian

British Dictionary definitions for crankshaft

crankshaft

/ (ˈkræŋkˌʃɑːft) /

noun

a shaft having one or more cranks, esp the main shaft of an internal-combustion engine to which the connecting rods are attached

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012