nounπShareAny bird of the family Gruidae, large birds with long legs and a long neck which is extended during flight."As we drove through the wetlands, we saw a flock of cranes taking flight, their long necks stretched out gracefully. "birdanimalnaturebiologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareArdea herodias, the great blue heron."We saw two cranes standing in the shallow water, patiently waiting for fish. "animalbirdnaturebiologyorganismenvironmentecologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA mechanical lifting machine or device, often used for lifting heavy loads for industrial or construction purposes."Cranes lifted the heavy steel beams to build the new skyscraper. "machinedevicetechnologybuildingindustryarchitectureChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareAn iron arm with horizontal motion, attached to the side or back of a fireplace for supporting kettles etc. over the fire."My grandmother still uses cranes in her old fireplace to hold her cooking pots over the flames. "utensildevicebuildingarchitectureitemChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA siphon, or bent pipe, for drawing liquors out of a cask."The vintner used cranes to carefully extract the wine from the large oak barrels. "utensildrinkChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareA forked post or projecting bracket to support spars, etc.; generally used in pairs."The old sailboat had cranes on its mast to hold the extra sails when they weren't in use. "nauticalpartarchitecturebuildingChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo extend (one's neck)."The little girl cranes her neck to see the parade passing by. "bodyactionChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo raise or lower with, or as if with, a crane."The construction crew cranes heavy steel beams into place on the new building. "machinebuildingtechnologyChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
verbπShareTo pull up before a jump."The gymnast cranes her neck before each backflip to focus and ensure a proper launch. "sportChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading
nounπShareThe cranium."Head injuries can cause serious damage to the cranes, which protect the brain. "anatomybodymedicineorganphysiologypartChat with AIVocabulary GamePractice Reading