What is the meaning of crank?

noun

• A bad-tempered person.
  • synonyms: grouch, grump, churl, crosspatch
• A whimsically eccentric person.
  • synonyms: crackpot, nut, nut case, fruitcake, screwball
• An amphetamine derivative (trade name Methedrine) used in the form of a crystalline hydrochloride; used as a stimulant to the nervous system and as an appetite suppressant.
  • synonyms: methamphetamine, methamphetamine hydrochloride, Methedrine, meth, deoxyephedrine, chalk, chicken feed, glass, ice, shabu, trash
• A hand tool consisting of a rotating shaft with parallel handle.
  • synonyms: starter

verb

• Travel along a zigzag path.
  • usage: "The river zigzags through the countryside"
  • synonyms: zigzag
• Start by cranking.
  • usage: "crank up the engine"
  • synonyms: crank up
• Rotate with a crank.
  • synonyms: crank up
• Fasten with a crank.
• Bend into the shape of a crank.

adjective

• Used of boats. ( inclined to heel over easily under sail).
  • synonyms: cranky, tender, tippy