- pronunciation:
- le
v
r
[or]
li
vr
- features:
- Word History, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
noun |
| definition 1: |
A lever is a basic tool that you use to lift something.
The workers used a big lever to lift the heavy rock. |
| definition 2: |
A lever is a handle that is used to control or set the position of a part in a mechanical device.
To stop the machine, turn this lever to the "off" position. |
| related words: |
bar, control, key |
| 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.