shank
shank Lexical Profile
shank Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A cut of meat from the lower part of the leg of an animal such as cattle, lamb, or veal, typically slow-cooked until tender.
"The chef braised the lamb shank in red wine and rosemary for three hours."
The long, narrow shaft or stem of a tool, key, anchor, or other object that connects the functional working end to the handle or base.
"Make sure the drill bit has a cylindrical shank that fits securely into the chuck."
An improvised, homemade knife or pointed stabbing tool (slang).
"Correctional officers confiscated a makeshift shank during the routine inspection."
The lower part of a person's leg between the knee and the ankle, or the corresponding part of a four-legged animal's limb.
"The marathon runner stretched to relieve the cramp in the lower shank of his leg."
The narrow middle part of the sole of a shoe, or the stiffener inserted underneath the arch of the foot for structural support.
"Pointe shoes require a sturdy shank to support the dancer's arch."
• verb
To strike a ball with the heel of the club or the side of the foot so that it travels erratically in an unintended direction (in golf, soccer, or football).
"The golfer shanked his approach shot into the bunker beside the green."
To stab or slash someone with an improvised pointed weapon (slang).
"In the crime drama, the character was threatened by a rival who tried to shank him in the yard."
• Rhymes for shank
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Old English 'scanca', meaning the shinbone or lower part of the leg, from Proto-Germanic '*skunko', originally referring to something that bends or slants.