crankcase: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical
Quick answer
What does “crankcase” mean?
The housing for the crankshaft and related parts in an internal combustion engine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The housing for the crankshaft and related parts in an internal combustion engine.
In broader mechanical contexts, any protective casing for a crankshaft mechanism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Purely technical/mechanical in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “crankcase” in a Sentence
the crankcase of [the engine]a [cracked] crankcase[drain] the crankcase oilVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crankcase” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mechanic will need to crankcase the assembly. (NOTE: 'crankcase' is not a standard verb. This field is left empty as per requirement for valid examples only.)
American English
- (See note above.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. This field is left empty.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. This field is left empty.)
adjective
British English
- (No standard adjectival form. This field is left empty.)
American English
- (No standard adjectival form. This field is left empty.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in automotive/parts manufacturing or repair service contexts.
Academic
Used in engineering, mechanics, and automotive technology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Used primarily by mechanics, motor enthusiasts, or when discussing specific car repairs.
Technical
The primary and most frequent context of use.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crankcase”
- Misspelling as 'crank case' (open compound) is less standard than the closed compound 'crankcase'.
- Incorrect plural: 'crankcases' (regular).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. In many modern engines, the crankcase is integrated into the lower section of the engine block. Historically, they were separate pieces. The engine block is a larger component that also contains the cylinders.
A system (often PCV - Positive Crankcase Ventilation) that removes unwanted gases (blow-by) from the crankcase, recirculating them into the intake to be burned, improving emissions and engine efficiency.
It is extremely risky. A cracked or holed crankcase will lead to rapid oil loss, resulting in catastrophic engine seizure due to lack of lubrication. The vehicle should not be driven.
Traditionally cast iron. Modern engines commonly use aluminium alloys or magnesium alloys for their lighter weight and good heat dissipation properties.
The housing for the crankshaft and related parts in an internal combustion engine.
Crankcase is usually technical in register.
Crankcase: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkræŋk.keɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræŋk.keɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to have) a hole in the crankcase (serious mechanical failure)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CRANK (a bent part for turning) inside a CASE (a box). The crankcase is the box that holds the crankshaft.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR A MECHANICAL HEART (the crankshaft is a central moving part).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a crankcase?