crank

The word “crank” means a handle or arm turned to operate a machine or mechanism. In plain terms, a turning handle on a machine, or an eccentric/irritable person; as a verb, to turn or start something by hand.

“Crank” is pronounced KRANGK (/ˈkɹeɪ̯ŋk/ in IPA).

Here is “crank” used in a sentence: “He turned the crank to lower the window manually.”

Depending on how it is used, “crank” can be a noun, an adjective and a verb.

The word “crank” comes from Germanic. From a Germanic word (via Dutch/Low German krank) originally meaning "bent" or "weak" — the mechanical handle is named for its bent shape.

“Crank” is an uncommon word in modern English.

“Crank” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a handle or arm turned to operate a machine or mechanism.

A crank (noun) is a person regarded as eccentric or holding strange fringe beliefs, while cranky is the related adjective meaning grouchy or irritable. The two senses are connected historically but describe different things: one is about odd or obsessive views, the other about a bad mood.

To crank a machine means to turn a handle or arm to operate it, or more broadly to get it started, as in cranking an old engine into life. The verb comes directly from the mechanical noun sense of crank, a handle turned to drive a mechanism.

Yes, calling someone a crank is generally dismissive, suggesting their ideas or behaviour are seen as strange, obsessive, or not to be taken seriously. It is typically used to belittle a person's fringe beliefs rather than as a neutral description.