What is crank?

The term "crank" can refer to several things, so to give you useful information, I need some context. "Crank" can mean:

• A mechanical crank: This is a rotating lever used to convert reciprocating motion (back and forth) into rotary motion (circular) or vice versa. Examples include:

  • Bicycle crank: The part you pedal on a bicycle.
  • Engine crank: The rotating shaft in an internal combustion engine that converts the linear motion of the pistons into rotational power.
  • Hand crank: A simple lever used to operate various devices manually, such as a food grinder or a jack.

• A type of shaft: In engineering, a crank can also refer to a crankshaft or other type of rotating shaft.

• An eccentric person: This is a slang term for someone who is considered odd, peculiar, or obsessed with something. This usage is often derogatory.

• A type of fishing lure: Crankbaits are artificial fishing lures designed to mimic the movement of small fish.

To give you more specific information, please clarify which meaning of "crank" you are interested in.