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| shaft [ shaft ] |
noun (plural shafts) |
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| Definition: |
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1. long handle: the long slender handle on various instruments and tools such as golf clubs and hammers
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2. body of projectile: a long narrow rod that forms the body of a spear, arrow, harpoon, or other projectile
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3. pole for harnessing horse: either of the two parallel bars by which an animal is harnessed to a cart or wagon
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4. rotating rod in machine: a rotating rod that provides motion or power for a machine
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5. vertical passage: a vertical passage, especially one in which an elevator travels or one that gives access to a mine
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6. passage for ventilation in building: a small passageway in a building, particularly in a wall, ceiling, or floor, to allow for air circulation
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7. light beam: a beam of light
  a shaft of sunlight
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8. sharp comment: a sharp or barbed comment directed at somebody
a shaft of wit
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9. harsh treatment: unkind or harsh treatment or dismissal
(
informal
)
His girlfriend gave him the shaft.
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10. arms
(
literary
)
Same as arrown (sense 1)
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11. anatomy middle of long bone: the middle part of a long bone
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12. anatomy body of penis: the cylindrical body of the penis
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13. anatomy main part of hair: the part of a hair that is visible above the skin
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14. architecture body of column: the main body of a column, between the capital and base
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15. architecture column: a column, especially one of a pair supporting an arch
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16. birds feather rib: the central rib of a feather
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17. trees trunk: the trunk of a tree
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18. upright part of cross: the upright bar in a cross
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transitive verb (past and past participle shaft·ed, present participle shaft·ing, 3rd person present singular shafts) |
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| Definition: |
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treat somebody unfairly: to cheat somebody or treat somebody unfairly
(
slang
)
She got shafted on her book contract.
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| [ Old English sceaft< Germanic] |
