Anatomy. the part of the lower limb in humans between the knee and the ankle; leg.
2.
a corresponding or analogous part in certain animals.
3.
the lower limb in humans, including both the leg and the thigh.
4.
a cut of meat from the top part of the front (foreshank) or back (hind shank) leg of an animal.
5.
a narrow part of various devices, as a tool or bolt, connecting the end by which the object is held or moved with the end that acts upon another object.
6.
a straight, usually narrow, shaftlike part of various objects connecting two more important or complex parts, as the stem of a pipe.
7.
a knob, small projection, or end of a device for attaching to another object, as a small knob on the back of a solid button, or the end of a drill for gripping in a shaft.
8.
the long, straight part of an anchor connecting the crown and the ring.
9.
the straight part of a fishhook away from the bent part or prong.
Main Entry: shank Pronunciation: 'sha[ng]k Function: noun : the part of the leg between the knee and the ankle in humans or a corresponding part in othervertebrates