lev·er
lever
- pronunciation:
- le
v
r
[or]
li
vr
- parts of speech:
- noun, transitive verb
- features:
- 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.
|
| related words: |
adjustment, bar, boom, control, hammer, key, pull |
|
|
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
levered, levering, levers |
| definition: |
to move or act on with or as with a lever.
- similar words:
- pry
|
| related words: |
boom, wedge |
| derivation: |
leverlike (adj.) |
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.