crankshaft

noun

crank·​shaft ˈkraŋk-ˌshaft 

1

: a shaft driven by or driving a crank

2

: a shaft consisting of a series of cranks and crankpins to which the connecting rods of an engine are attached

Examples of crankshaft in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Porsche's patent shows the crankshaft spinning within a ring on planetary gears, meaning as the crankshaft rotates, the pistons have two entirely different top-dead-center positions as well as two different bottom-dead-center positions. —New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2024

Versus its 788 hp predecessor in the 812 Superfast, the engine spins up 31 more horses and gets titanium connecting rods that are 40 percent lighter, a lightened crankshaft and pistons, and valve-train components derived directly from Ferrari’s F1 engines, boosting mechanical efficiency. —Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 1 Oct. 2024

Hackel/Merry For the engine's construction, Hackel had to put together a custom case, conrod, and five-piece crankshaft while his mate Justin Leineweber ground the bespoke cam. —New Atlas, 19 Sep. 2024

When the automaton is activated, the crankshaft spins and the 16 cylinders move up and down. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

crankshaft

noun

crank·​shaft -ˌshaft 

: a shaft turning or driven by a crank or made up of a series of cranks