Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Lever
Lev′er
(lē′vẽr)
, Adj.
[Old compar. of
leve
or lief
.] More agreeable; more pleasing.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
To be lever than
. See
Had as lief
, under Had
.Lev′er
,adv.
Rather.
[Obs.]
Chaucer.
For
lever
had I die than see his deadly face. Spenser.
Le′ver
(lē′vẽr or lĕv′ẽr; 277)
, Noun.
1.
(Mech.)
A rigid piece which is capable of turning about one point, or axis (the fulcrum), and in which are two or more other points where forces are applied; – used for transmitting and modifying force and motion. Specif., a bar of metal, wood, or other rigid substance, used to exert a pressure, or sustain a weight, at one point of its length, by receiving a force or power at a second, and turning at a third on a fixed point called a fulcrum. It is usually named as the first of the six mechanical powers, and is of three kinds, according as either the fulcrum F, the weight W, or the power P, respectively, is situated between the other two, as in the figures.
2.
(Mach.)
(a)
A bar, as a capstan bar, applied to a rotatory piece to turn it.
(b)
An arm on a rock shaft, to give motion to the shaft or to obtain motion from it.
Compound lever
, a machine consisting of two or more levers acting upon each other.
– Lever escapement
. See
– Escapement
. Lever jack
. See , 5.
– Jack
, Noun.
Lever watch
, a watch having a vibrating lever to connect the action of the escape wheel with that of the balance.
– Universal lever
, a machine formed by a combination of a lever with the wheel and axle, in such a manner as to convert the reciprocating motion of the lever into a continued rectilinear motion of some body to which the power is applied.
Webster 1828 Edition
Lever
LEV'ER
,Noun.
In mechanics, a bar of metal, wood, or other substance, turning on a support called the fulcrum or prop. Its arms are equal, as in the balance; or unequal, as in steelyards. It is one of the mechanical powers, and is of three kinds, viz. 1. When the fulcrum is between the weight and the power, as in the handspike, crowbar, &c. 2. When the weight is between the power and fulcrum, as in rowing a boat. 3. When the power is between the weight and the fulcrum, as in raising a ladder from the ground, by applying the hands to one of the lower rounds. The bones of animals are levers of the third kind.