manivelle

crank handle, starting handle

noun mah-nee-VEL Rare

Usage Note

Manivelle refers to the L-shaped handle used to convert rotational motion, found on old car starters, pencil sharpeners, and barrel organs. The phrase repartir à la manivelle ('to start up again from scratch') is a common figurative expression. The word comes from the Old French manivelle, from 'main' (hand).

Examples

"Il a tourné la manivelle pour ouvrir l'écluse."

Natural Translation

He turned the crank to open the lock gate.

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