lever

views updated May 23 2018

lev·er / ˈlevər; ˈlēvər/ • n. a rigid bar resting on a pivot, used to help move a heavy or firmly fixed load with one end when pressure is applied to the other. ∎  a projecting arm or handle that is moved to operate a mechanism: she pulled a lever at the base of the cage. ∎ fig. a means of exerting pressure on someone to act in a particular way: rich countries increasingly use foreign aid as a lever to promote political pluralism.• v. [tr.] lift or move with a lever: she levered the lid off the pot with a screwdriver. ∎  move (someone or something) with a concerted physical effort: she levered herself up against the pillows. ∎  [intr.] use a lever: the men got hold of the coffin and levered at it with crowbars.

lever

lever

views updated Jun 27 2018

lever Simple machine used to multiply the force applied to an object, usually to raise a heavy load. A lever consists of a rod and a point (fulcrum) about which the rod pivots. In a crowbar, for example, the applied force (effort) and the object to be moved (load) are on opposite sides of the fulcrum, with the point of application of the effort farther from the fulcrum.

lever

views updated Jun 11 2018

lever bar used to prize up a heavy object. XIII. — AN. lever, (O)F. levier, alt. of OF. leveor, f. lever raise (see LEVY).