Words / B2

KRAYN/kreɪn/

A crane is a tall machine for lifting heavy objects; also a long-legged bird; as a verb, to stretch the neck to see: a tower crane; a crane fly is a different insect. Hoist and derrick are machine twins; heron is a bird twin. The crane on the skyline featured in the regeneration case; still name the site. Mix-up: crane vs crone; cranium; do not write crane for a construction slogan with no site.

Meaning

A tall machine for lifting heavy objects; also a long-legged bird; as a verb, to stretch the neck to see.

Examples

• “The crane on the skyline featured in the regeneration case; still name the site.”
• “A crane nested on the reserve, the ecology survey said, which is the bird sense — still name the species if given.”

Good to know

a tower / dock crane; crane one’s neck; a crane (bird). Machine twins: hoist / derrick. Bird twin: heron. Trap: crone. Geography, design, and biology. A lifting machine, a bird, or stretching the neck — specify.

Near in meaning

hoist, derrick, heron

New