lever

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a rigid bar that turns around a fixed point and is used to lift or move something

   Use the lever to lift the stone.

2. 2
   noun

   a small handle or control used to operate a machine

   Pull the lever to start the pump.

3. 3
   verb

   to move or force something with a lever or similar tool

   He tried to lever the lid off the crate.

From Middle English lever, levore, levour, from Old French leveor, leveur (“a lifter, lever (also Old French and French levier)”), from Latin levātor (“a lifter”), from levō (“to raise”). Doublet of levator.

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