shank
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʃæŋk/
KK: /ʃæŋk/
noun
Definition
A part of the leg or a cut of meat from the leg of an animal, often used in cooking.
Example
The chef prepared a delicious dish using a shank of lamb.
Conversation
I tried a new recipe for dinner last night.
Oh really? What did you make?
I cooked a delicious shank of lamb with herbs.
That sounds amazing! I've always wanted to try making that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
leg
cut
piece
Antonyms
head
top
tip
transitive verb
Definition
To hit a golf ball with the heel of the club, making it go off course.
Example
He shanked the ball, sending it far to the right of the fairway.
Tense Forms
Past: shanked
Past Participle: shanked
Conversation
Did you see my last shot? I totally shanked the ball!
Yeah, I noticed it veered off to the left.
I can't believe I made that mistake again.
Root Explanation
The word 'shank' originates from Old English 'sceanca', meaning the lower part of the leg or the leg itself. It refers specifically to the part of the leg between the knee and the ankle.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'sceanca' which refers to the lower part of the leg — that's why 'shank' means that part of the leg.
Visually Confused Words
shrank
sank
hank
whank
ushak
thank
swank
stank