Lever

Lever

Noun / Verb · /ˈliː.vər/ (British) /ˈlev.ər/ (American)

Definition

(Noun) a rigid bar that pivots on a fulcrum to lift or move a load; a projecting handle used to operate a mechanism; something used to achieve a purpose or exert influence; (Verb) to lift, move, or force open using a lever; to use influence or pressure to bring about a change.

Origin

From Old French levier (a lever), from lever (to raise), from Latin levare (to raise, to lighten), from levis (light in weight). The same root gives elevate, levity, alleviate, and relieve. The lever as a simple machine was one of Archimedes' fundamental machines.