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lever

lev·er

lever

 
 
pronunciation:
le vr [or] li vr
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word History, Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: any of a class of basic tools consisting of a rigid bar or an equivalent, acting by pivoting around a fixed fulcrum to transfer applied force from one point to another.
similar words:
pry
definition 2: an extended handle which controls or sets the position of a part or parts in a mechanical device such as a latch or a gear shift.
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part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: levers, levering, levered
definition: to move or act on with or as with a lever.
similar words:
pry
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derivation: leverlike (adj.)
Word History
Lever comes from levare, a Latin word that means "to raise," which comes from levis, which means "light in weight." The simple machine we call a "lever" allows us to lift a heavy weight as easily as we could a much lighter one.
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See
  physics, tool