noun
elevator
EL-ih-vay-ter/ˈelɪveɪtər/
Something that lifts people, objects, or body parts.
The elevator carries two passengers between floors of the building.
Etymology
An elevator is literally a 'raiser.' English first used the word for muscles that raise body parts, then for mechanical lifts; the building compartment takes its name from that lifting function.
In context
engineers designed an elevator system to service all 118 floors. To optimize the flow of people through the building, elevator engineers divided it into zones.
More examples
- Workers move heavy equipment upstairs in the freight elevator.
- An elevator muscle raises the upper lip when you smile.
- The dentist uses an elevator to loosen the tooth.
Forms
elevator · elevators
elevate verb — Raise something to a higher position.