noun / verb
lever
LEV-er/ˈlevər/
A pivoted bar that multiplies applied force to move a load.
A man presses down on a lever to lift a stone slab.
Etymology
Old French levier meant “a lifter,” formed from a verb meaning “to raise.” The rigid bar is named for its function: lifting or moving something.
In context
the mouth was shut and when he pulled his lever down yeah up would go his arm the mouth would open
More examples
- We used a sturdy board as a lever to raise the crate.
- She levered the lid off with a screwdriver.
- Longer levers can make heavy loads easier to lift.
Forms
lever · levers · levered · levering
leverage noun — Mechanical advantage gained by using a lever.