Shank Meaning and Definition
Shank
Pronunciation
/ʃɑːnk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A cutting or blow, especially one made with a sharp instrument; a cut or wounded part of the body; a leg or shank of a bird or other animal.
Examples
- The butcher cut the shank from the chicken.
- The athlete suffered a deep shank cut during the game.
Synonyms
- Cut
- Blow
- Laceration
Antonyms
- Closure
- Sealing
- Healing
Additional Information
The term “shank” has its roots in Old English and means “cut” or “wound”. In medicine, a shank can refer to a surgical wound or a cut on the body. In cooking, a shank can refer to the leg or thigh of an animal, often used in soups or stews.
In recent years, the term “shank” has gained popularity in the context of golf, referring to the long, thin, rigid shaft of a golf club, connecting the clubhead to the grip.
Etymology
The word “shank” originates from Old English “scanc” or “scanca”, meaning “cut” or “wound”. This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic “skankiz”, which is also the source of Modern German “Schank” and Dutch “schaank”, both meaning “cut” or “blow”.
Usage Notes
When using the term “shank” in a medical context, it’s important to specify the part of the body affected by the wound. In cooking, the term “shank” is often used interchangeably with “leg” or “thigh”, but it’s important to clarify the species and preparation method.
Cultural References
In the 1997 film “The Fifth Element”, the main character, Korben Dallas, suffers a deep shank cut on his leg.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To take a shank” is an idiomatic expression meaning to take a risk or make a bold move.
Related Words or Phrases
- Cut
- Wound
- Blow
- Leg
- Thigh
Collocations
- Shank wound
- Cut shank
- Deep shank cut
Frequency of Use
The term “shank” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it is used frequently in medical and culinary contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Shaink
- Shankk
- Shanck