Camshaft vs. Crankshaft — What's the Difference?

A camshaft is a rotating object— usually made of metal— that contains pointed cams, which converts rotational motion to reciprocal motion. Camshafts are used in internal combustion engines (to operate the intake and exhaust valves), mechanically controlled ignition systems and early electric motor speed controllers.

A crankshaft is a shaft driven by a crank mechanism, consisting of a series of cranks and crankpins to which the connecting rods of an engine is attached. It is a mechanical part able to perform a conversion between reciprocating motion and rotational motion.

An engine shaft fitted with a cam or cams.

A shaft that turns or is turned by a crank.

A shaft fitted with cams; especially one in a piston engine that activates the valves.

A rotating shaft that drives (or is driven by) a crank.

A shaft that has cams attached to it, forming part of a mechanical device.

(of a straight bolt or rod) To deform in such a manner that part of the rod or bolt is displaced sideways, offset from the longitudinal axis of the part, but remains parallel with the part's main longitudinal axis, with the final shape somewhat resembling a crankshaft.

Has cams attached to it

A rotating shaft driven by (or driving) a crank