Definition

1. Noun:
   • A manually operated lever used to start an engine: A "crank handle" is a removable, L-shaped metal rod designed to be inserted into an engine. By turning it, a person provides the initial rotational force needed to start the engine, especially in older automobiles, aircraft, or machinery.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The vintage car wouldn't start, so the driver had to use the crank handle.
  • Before electric starters, pilots had to spin the propeller using a crank handle to start the plane's engine.

Advanced Usage

• "to turn the crank handle": The action of using the device.
  • He had to turn the crank handle vigorously several times before the old tractor sputtered to life.

Variants and Related Words

• Crank (n): A general term for an arm or lever attached at right angles to a shaft for transmitting or converting rotary motion. A "crank handle" is a specific type of crank.
• Starting Handle (n): A synonym for "crank handle," commonly used in British English.

Synonyms

• Starting crank: A direct synonym.
• Engine crank: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• "Crank it up": An informal phrasal verb meaning to start something or increase its intensity, which originates from the action of using a crank handle.
  • The band cranked up the volume. (This is a figurative use, not directly involving the physical handle.)

Related Idioms

• "One more turn of the crank": An idiom suggesting one more effort is needed to complete a task or start a process.
  • We're almost done with the report; just one more turn of the crank.

Noun

1. crank used to start an engine