lever Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum
  2. noun a simple machine that gives a mechanical advantage when given a fulcrum
  3. noun a flat metal tumbler in a lever lock
    lever tumbler.
  4. verb to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
    prise; jimmy; pry; prize.
    • The burglar jimmied the lock": "Raccoons managed to pry the lid off the garbage pail

WordNet

Lev"er adjective
Etymology
Old compar. of leve or lief.
Definitions
  1. More agreeable; more pleasing. Obs. Chaucer.
Lev"er adverb
Definitions
  1. Bather. Obs. Chaucer.
    For lever had I die than see his deadly face. Spenser.
Le"ver noun
Etymology
OE. levour, OF. leveor, prop., a lifter, fr. F. lever to raise, L. levare; akin to levis light in weight, E. levity, and perh. to E. light not heavy: cf. F. levier. Cf. Alleviate, Elevate, Leaven, Legerdemain, Levy, n.
Definitions
  1. (Mech.) A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; -- used for transmitting and modifying force and motion. Specif., a bar of metal, wood, or other rigid substance, used to exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is usually named as the first of the six mechanical powers, and is three kinds, according as either the fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P. respectively, is situated between the other two, as in the figures.
  2. (Mach.) (a) A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it. (b) An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or to obtain motion from it.

Webster 1913