lever

Lever means a tool, usually a bar, used to lift or pry open something.

(noun)

An example of a lever is a crowbar.

The definition of a lever is a bar used to control a machine.

Classes of Levers

Class 1 levers have force applied on the opposite side of the fulcrum, or pivot point. On a see-saw, the farther away from the fulcrum you sit, the bigger the force you can produce. This is why it is easier to use a tool with a long handle. Scissors and pliers are examples of class 1 levers.
Class 2 levers have the fulcrum at one end, like wheelbarrows, nail clippers, and nutcrackers.
Class 3 levers also have the fulcrum at the end, but you exert force in the center and the higher force is produced at the tips, as in tweezers and tongs.

(noun)

Lever is defined as a means to get something.

(noun)

An example of a lever is a family connection which might be used to get admitted to a school.

See lever in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a bar used as a pry
a means to an end
Mech. a device consisting of a bar turning about a fixed point, the fulcrum, using power or force applied at a second point to lift or sustain a weight at a third point; hence, any handle or the like used to operate something

Origin: OFr leveour < lever, to raise < L levare < levis, light: see light

transitive verb

See lever in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A simple machine consisting of a rigid bar pivoted on a fixed point and used to transmit force, as in raising or moving a weight at one end by pushing down on the other.
A projecting handle used to adjust or operate a mechanism.
A means of accomplishing; a tool: used friendship as a lever to obtain advancement.

transitive verb lev·ered, lev·er·ing, lev·ers

To move or lift with or as if with a lever.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French levier

Origin: , from lever, to raise

Origin: , from Latin levāre

Origin: , from levis, light; see leg^wh- in Indo-European roots

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