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shaft

[ʃæft]

shaft Definition

  • 1a long, narrow, typically vertical hole that gives access to a mine, accommodates a lift in a building, or provides ventilation.
  • 2a rod or pole forming part of a machine, especially one which transmits power from one part of a machine to another.
  • 3a long, narrow part of an object that is projected or sticks out from its main body, in particular, the stem of a feather or arrow.

Using shaft: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shaft" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The miners descended into the shaft to begin their work.

  • Example

    The engine's drive shaft was damaged in the accident.

  • Example

    The arrow's shaft was made of wood.

  • Example

    The peacock's feathers have iridescent shafts.

shaft Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shaft

Phrases with shaft

  • a beam of light shining through an opening

    Example

    The shaft of light illuminated the dark room.

  • the long, narrow part of an arrow between the fletching and the point

    Example

    The archer carefully aimed the shaft of his arrow at the target.

  • the principal or central part of a system or organization

    Example

    The main shaft of the company's operations is located in the headquarters.

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Summary: shaft in Brief

A 'shaft' [ʃæft] refers to a long, narrow hole, rod, or pole. It can be a vertical hole for mining, a part of a machine that transmits power, or a protruding part of an object, such as the stem of a feather or arrow. Examples include 'The miners descended into the shaft to begin their work.' and 'The arrow's shaft was made of wood.'

How do native speakers use this expression?

The

Waitomo

Caves

they

call

home

are

named

after

the

Maori

words

"Wai",

which

means

water,

and

"tomo"

which

means

hole

or

shaft.