The spelling of the word "starting handle" may seem confusing due to the silent "h" and differing vowel sounds. However, in IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈstɑːtɪŋ ˈhændəl/. The first syllable "start" is pronounced with a long "a" sound as in "car", and the "h" in "handle" is silent. The vowel in the second syllable is pronounced as "a" but with a longer duration than in "start". This unique spelling can be attributed to the evolution of the English language over time.
A starting handle refers to a manual tool that is used to crank-start an internal combustion engine, typically found in older vehicles and small machinery. Also known as a crank handle or starting crank, it is designed to engage with the engine's flywheel or crankshaft and manually rotate it to initiate the engine's ignition process.
The starting handle typically consists of a long, sturdy metal rod with a handle on one end and a square or hexagonal fitting on the other. This fitting is inserted into a corresponding socket on the engine, allowing the user to apply rotational force by turning the handle. The handle is often fitted with a grip or padding to enhance comfort and provide a secure grasp during the cranking process.
To use a starting handle, the user positions themselves in front of the engine and locates the appropriate socket. Applying steady force, they turn the handle in a clockwise direction to crank the engine. This rotational motion rotates the internal components, such as the piston and the crankshaft, initiating the necessary compression and fuel combustion to start the engine.
Starting handles were commonly used in the early days of automobiles and small engines before the introduction of electric starters. They are still found in some vintage vehicles, machinery, and equipment as a backup or alternative method to start the engine in the event of electric starter failure.
The word "starting handle" originates from the combination of two separate words: "start" and "handle".
The word "start" is derived from the Old English word "styrtan", meaning "to jump up" or "to leap", which eventually evolved into the Middle English term "starten" with the same meaning. Over time, "start" came to refer to the act of causing a machine or engine to begin operating or moving.
The term "handle" traces its roots back to the Old English word "handlian", which means "to touch or feel with the hand". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "handlōną" and shares linguistic connections with similar terms in other Germanic languages.
Therefore, the combination of "start" and "handle" in "starting handle" refers to a tool or lever used to manually turn or crank an engine to initiate its starting process.