shaft

• Nom avec plusieurs sens, incluant une longue partie étroite d'un objet (comme une flèche ou un outil), un passage vertical (comme dans une mine ou un bâtiment), un faisceau de lumière, une tige rotative transmettant la puissance, ou une remarque acerbe.

A noun with multiple meanings, including a long, narrow part of an object (such as an arrow or tool), a vertical passage (as in a mine or building), a column of light, a revolving rod transmitting power, or a pointed remark.

1. Arrow or pointer bodyB1formal

   The long, straight part of an arrow or a pointer, extending from the tip to the end.

   Fût ou hampe d'une flèche ou d'un pointeur

   • The archer carefully inspected the shaft of the arrow.
   • The clock's hour hand had a thin, black shaft.
   • The spear's shaft was made of polished oak.

   Synonymespolerodshankstemstick

2. Aggressive remarkB2informal

   A pointed or critical comment directed at someone, intended to be hurtful or effective.

   Pique

   • She threw a sharp shaft at her opponent during the debate.
   • His comment was a direct shaft aimed at my work ethic.
   • The politician's speech was full of shafts at the opposition.

   Synonymesbarbdiggibeinsultjibesneertaunt

   Antonymescomplimentpraise

3. Long rod or poleB1formal

   A long, slender piece of material, often used as a handle for a tool or the main body of a weapon like a spear.

   hampe, manche (longue tige)

   • The hammer's shaft was made of hickory wood.
   • He gripped the spear's shaft tightly before throwing it.
   • The flagpole's shaft was painted white.

   Synonymesbarpolerodstaffstick

4. Column of lightB2formal

   A narrow, visible beam of light, often shining down from a source.

   Faisceau de lumière

   • A shaft of sunlight broke through the clouds.
   • The lighthouse sent a bright shaft of light across the sea.
   • In the dark room, a single shaft of light illuminated the dust particles.

   Synonymesbeampencilraystreakstream

5. Main section of a long boneC1formalmedical

   The long, central part of a bone, such as the femur or humerus.

   Diaphyse

   • The fracture was located in the shaft of the femur.
   • The bone's shaft is composed of dense cortical bone.
   • The surgeon examined the shaft of the humerus for damage.

   Synonymesbodydiaphysis

6. Vulgar term for penisslang

   A crude and offensive slang term for the male reproductive organ.

   verge (terme vulgaire)

   • He made a crude joke about his shaft.
   • The graffiti on the wall included a drawing of a shaft.
   • That term is considered highly offensive in polite conversation.

   Synonymescockdickjohnsonknobpeckerprickrodtool

• Verbe signifiant traiter quelqu'un de manière injuste ou cruelle, souvent par tromperie ou escroquerie.

A verb meaning to treat someone unfairly or harshly, often by cheating or deceiving them.

1. Equip with a shaftC1formal

   To provide or fit something with a long, narrow part, such as a rod or handle.

   Équiper d'un arbre/axe

   • The craftsman carefully shafted the arrow with a straight piece of wood.
   • The mechanic shafted the engine component to ensure proper alignment.
   • They shafted the tool with a durable metal rod.

2. Cheat or deceiveB2informalamerican

   To treat someone unfairly or defeat them through dishonest means.

   Tromper, duper

   • He felt shafted by his business partner after the deal fell through.
   • The company shafted its employees by not paying overtime.
   • She was shafted out of her rightful inheritance by a clever lawyer.

   Synonymesbilkcheatcondeceivedefraudswindletrick

   Antonymesaidassistbenefithelpsupport