Shank

Pronunciation: /ʃæŋk/

Definitions of shank

noun a cut of meat from the upper part of the leg

Example Sentences

A1 The prisoner used a makeshift shank to escape from the jail.

A2 I accidentally cut myself on the shank of the knife.

B1 The chef used a sharp shank to carve the roast beef.

B2 The golfer hit the ball with the shank of the club, sending it off course.

C1 The criminal concealed a shank in his sock during the robbery.

C2 The artist used a metal shank to create intricate designs in the sculpture.

Examples of shank in a Sentence

formal The chef carefully trimmed the shank of the lamb before roasting it.

informal I accidentally bumped my shank on the edge of the table.

slang I can't believe he got shanked in that alley last night.

figurative Her sharp words cut to the shank of his insecurities.

Grammatical Forms of shank

• past tense: shanked
• plural: shanks
• comparative: more shank
• superlative: most shank
• present tense: shank
• future tense: will shank
• perfect tense: have shanked
• continuous tense: is shanking
• singular: shank
• positive degree: shank
• infinitive: to shank
• gerund: shanking
• participle: shanking

Origin and Evolution of shank

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'shank' originated from Middle English, derived from Old English 'sceanca' meaning 'leg'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to the part of the leg between the knee and ankle, 'shank' later evolved to also mean the lower part of a tool or implement, such as a shank of a key or a shank of a drill bit.