Collins English-English Dictionary

shaft [ʃɒːft]

1. 1. n the long narrow pole that forms the body of a spear, arrow, etc

2. 2. n something directed at a person in the manner of a missile

   shafts of sarcasm

3. 3. n a ray, beam, or streak, esp of light

4. 4. n a rod or pole forming the handle of a hammer, axe, golf club, etc

5. 5. n a revolving rod that transmits motion or power: usually used of axial rotation - Compare rod

6. 6. n one of the two wooden poles by which an animal is harnessed to a vehicle

7. 7. n [anatomy] the middle part (diaphysis) of a long bone

8. 8. n the main portion of any elongated structure or part

9. 9. n the middle part of a column or pier, between the base and the capital

10. 10. n a column, obelisk, etc, esp one that forms a monument

11. 11. n [architect] a column that supports a vaulting rib, sometimes one of a set

12. 12. n a vertical passageway through a building, as for a lift

13. 13. n a vertical passageway into a mine

14. 14. n [ornithol] the central rib of a feather

15. 15. n an archaic or literary word for arrow

16. 16. vb [Slang] to have sexual intercourse with (a woman)

17. 17. vb [Slang] to trick or cheat

18. 18. vb [Etymology] Old English sceaft; related to Old Norse skapt, German Schaft, Latin scapus shaft, Greek skeptron sceptre, Lettish skeps javelin