| Level (level) |
|---|
| n. | (l v"l) |
|---|
| Lev"el |
| [OE.
level, livel, OF. livel, F. niveau, fr.
L. libella level, water level, a plumb level, dim. of
libra pound, measure for liquids, balance, water poise, level.
Cf. Librate, Libella.] |
A line
or surface to which, at every point, a vertical or plumb line is
perpendicular; a line or surface which is everywhere parallel to the
surface of still water; -- this is the true level, and is a
curve or surface in which all points are equally distant from the
center of the earth, or rather would be so if the earth were an exact
sphere.
A horizontal line or plane; that is, a
straight line or a plane which is tangent to a true level at a given
point and hence parallel to the horizon at that point; -- this is the
apparent level at the given point.
An approximately horizontal line or
surface at a certain degree of altitude, or distance from the center
of the earth; as, to climb from the level of the coast to the
level of the plateau and then descend to the level of
the valley or of the sea.
Hence, figuratively, a certain position,
rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in
one of several planes of different elevation.
A uniform or average height; a normal
plane or altitude; a condition conformable to natural law or which
will secure a level surface; as, moving fluids seek a
level.
An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust
something with reference to a horizontal line.
A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a
mine.
|
| Level (level) |
|---|
| a. | (lv"l) |
|---|
| Lev"el |
|
Even; flat; having no part higher than
another; having, or conforming to, the curvature which belongs to the
undisturbed liquid parts of the earth's surface; as, a level
field; level ground; the level surface of a pond or
lake.
Coinciding or parallel with the plane of
the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now
level.
Even with anything else; of the same
height; on the same line or plane; on the same footing; of equal
importance; -- followed by with, sometimes by
to.
Straightforward; direct; clear;
open.
Well balanced; even; just; steady;
impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding.
[Colloq.]
Of even tone; without
rising or falling inflection.
|
To make level] to make
horizontal; to bring to the condition of a level line or surface;
hence, to make flat or even; as, to level a road, a walk, or a
garden.
To bring to a lower level; to overthrow;
to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower.
To bring to a horizontal position, as a
gun; hence, to point in taking aim; to aim; to direct.
Figuratively, to bring to a common level
or plane, in respect of rank, condition, character, privilege, etc.;
as, to level all the ranks and conditions of men.
To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as,
to level remarks to the capacity of children.
|
To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality with,
something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit.
To aim a gun, spear, etc., horizontally;
hence, to aim or point a weapon in direct line with the mark; fig.,
to direct the eye, mind, or effort, directly to an object.
|
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In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 