Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rotating shaft driven by or driving a crank: A crankshaft is a mechanical component that converts the reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion of pistons into rotational motion, or vice versa. It is a fundamental part of an internal combustion engine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The mechanic replaced the damaged crankshaft in the car's engine.
  • A key function of the crankshaft is to transfer power from the pistons to the transmission.

Advanced Usage

• "Crankshaft journal": The part of the crankshaft that connects to the connecting rod.
  • The crankshaft journal was polished to reduce friction.
• "Crankshaft position sensor": An electronic device used in an engine to monitor the position or rotational speed of the crankshaft.
  • A faulty crankshaft position sensor can cause the engine to stall.

Variants and Related Words

• Crank (noun): An arm attached at right angles to a rotating shaft by which reciprocating motion is imparted to or received from the shaft. It is the component that gives the crankshaft its name.
  • He turned the crank to start the old engine.
• Crankshaft bearing (noun): The bearing that supports the crankshaft within the engine block.
  • Worn crankshaft bearings can lead to serious engine damage.

Synonyms

• Engine shaft: A general term for a rotating shaft within an engine, which can include the crankshaft.
• Main shaft: In some contexts, this can refer to the primary rotating shaft, similar to a crankshaft.

Related Phrases

(Note: "Crankshaft" is a technical noun and does not commonly form phrasal verbs or idioms in everyday English. Its usage is primarily in mechanical and engineering contexts.)

Noun

1. a rotating shaft driven by (or driving) a crank