Crane

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪn

Origin

From Old English cran, from Proto-Germanic *kran-, from Proto-Indo-European *gerhâ‚‚- ("to cry hoarsely").

Full definition of crane

Noun

1. A large bird of the order Gruiformes and the family Gruidae having long legs and a long neck which it extends when flying.
2. A mechanical lifting device, often used for lifting heavy loads for industrial or construction purposes.
3. An iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace for supporting kettles etc. over the fire.
4. A siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask.
5. (nautical) A forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc.; generally used in pairs.

Derived terms

Related terms

• cranberry, via Low German Kraan ("crane")

Verb

1. (transitive) To extend (one's neck).
2. (transitive) To raise or lower with, or as if with, a crane.
• BatesWhat engines, what instruments are used in craning up a soul, sunk below the centre, to the highest heavens.
• Massingeran upstart craned up to the height he has

Anagrams

• caner, Caren, nacre, rance