a long, narrow passage that usually goes straight down in a building or underground, used especially for a lift or as a way of allowing air in or out

the long narrow part of an arrow, hammer, golf club, etc.

The clubs are fitted with graphite shafts.

a metal bar that joins parts of a machine or an engine together, enabling power and movement to be passed from one part to another

either of the two long poles at the front of a carriage or cart between which a horse is fastened in order to pull it

A shaft of moonlight fell on the lake.

(figurative)a shaft of inspiration

a sudden strong feeling of pain, etc. that travels through your body

Shafts of fear ran through her as she heard footsteps behind her.

a clever remark that is intended to upset or annoy somebody

LEARNit Dictionary