First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1level
noun lev·el \ˈle-vəl\
: a specific height
: a part of a building that is at a specific height
: an amount of something
Full Definition of LEVEL
1
: a device for establishing a horizontal line or plane by means of a bubble in a liquid that shows adjustment to the horizontal by movement to the center of a slightly bowed glass tube
2
: a measurement of the difference of altitude of two points by means of a level
3
: horizontal condition; especially : equilibrium of a fluid marked by a horizontal surface of even altitude <water seeks its own level>
4
a : an approximately horizontal line or surface taken as an index of altitude b : a practically horizontal surface or area (as of land)
5
: a position in a scale or rank (as of achievement, significance, or value) <funded at the national level> <the job appeals to me on many levels>
6
a : a line or surface that cuts perpendicularly all plumb lines that it meets and hence would everywhere coincide with a surface of still water b : the plane of the horizon or a line in it
7
: a horizontal passage in a mine intended for regular working and transportation
8
: a concentration of a constituent especially of a body fluid (as blood)
9
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Origin of LEVEL
Middle English, plumb line, from Anglo-French livel, from Vulgar Latin *libellum, alteration of Latin libella, from diminutive of libra weight, balance
Related to LEVEL
Other Civil Engineering Terms
2level
verb
: to make (something) flat or level
: to knock (someone or something) down to the ground
: to point (a weapon) at someone
leveled or levelledlevel·ing or level·ling \ˈle-və-liŋ, ˈlev-liŋ\
Full Definition of LEVEL
transitive verb
1
: to make (a line or surface) horizontal : make flat or level <level a field> <level off a house lot>
3
: to bring to a common level or plane : equalize <love levels all ranks — W. S. Gilbert>
4
a : to lay level with or as if with the ground : raze b : to knock down <leveled him with one punch>
5
: to make (as color) even or uniform
6
: to find the heights of different points in (a piece of land) especially with a surveyor's level
intransitive verb
1
: to attain or come to a level <the plane leveled off at 10,000 feet>
2
: to aim a gun or other weapon horizontally
3
: to bring persons or things to a level
4
: to deal frankly and openly
See level defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LEVEL
15th century
3level
adjective
: having a flat or even surface
: not going up or down
: having the same height as something else
Full Definition of LEVEL
1
a : having no part higher than another : conforming to the curvature of the liquid parts of the earth's surface b : parallel with the plane of the horizon : horizontal
2
a : even or unvarying in height b : equal in advantage, progression, or standing c : proceeding monotonously or uneventfully d (1) : steady, unwavering <gave him a level look> (2) : calm, unexcited <spoke in level tones>
3
: reasonable, balanced <arrive at a justly proportional and level judgment on this affair — Sir Winston Churchill>
4
: distributed evenly <level stress>
5
: being a surface perpendicular to all lines of force in a field of force : equipotential
6
: suited to a particular rank or plane of ability or achievement <top-level thinking>
7
: of or relating to the spreading out of a cost or charge in even payments over a period of time
— lev·el·ly \ˈle-və(l)-lē\ adverb
— lev·el·ness \-vəl-nəs\ noun
— level best
: very best
See level defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LEVEL
15th century
Related to LEVEL
Synonym Discussion of LEVEL
level, flat, plane, even, smooth mean having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities. level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon <the vast prairies are nearly level>. flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions <the work surface must be flat>. plane applies to any real or imaginary flat surface in which a straight line between any two points on it lies wholly within that surface <the plane sides of a crystal>. even applies to a surface that is noticeably flat or level or to a line that is observably straight <trim the hedge so it is even>. smooth applies especially to a polished surface free of irregularities <a smooth skating rink>.
LEVELLY Defined for Kids
1level
noun lev·el \ˈle-vəl\
Definition of LEVEL for Kids
1
: a horizontal line or surface usually at a named height <Hold it at eye level.>
2
: a step or stage in height, position, or rank <She rose to the level of manager.>
3
: a device used (as by a carpenter) to find a horizontal line or surface
Headscratcher for LEVEL
The word level is spelled the same forwards and backwards.
2level
verb
lev·eled or lev·elledlev·el·ing or lev·el·ling
Definition of LEVEL for Kids
: to make or become horizontal, flat, or even
3level
adjective
Definition of LEVEL for Kids
1
: having a flat even surface <Find a level place to set up the tent.>
2
: 1horizontal <… the bridge, instead of rising, went across just level … — Anna Sewell, Black Beauty>
3
: of the same height or rank : even
4
: steady and cool in judgment <The rescuers kept level heads.>
Synonym Discussion of LEVEL
level, flat, and even mean having a surface without bends, curves, or interruptions. level is used especially for a surface or a line that does not slant up or down. <We traveled a level road between two hills.> flat is used for a surface that is free from curves or bumps or hollows whether or not it is parallel to the ground. <I need a flat work surface.> even is used when there is a lack of breaks or bumps in a line or surface. <Dad trimmed the hedge to make it even.>
Medical Dictionary
level
noun lev·el \ˈlev-əl\
Medical Definition of LEVEL
1
: a characteristic and fairly uniform concentration of a constituent of the blood or other body fluid <a normal blood-sugar level>
2
a : a degree of ability or aptitude or measure of performance b : a grade of mental and emotional development or maturity <evidence as to levels of personality development (e.g., anal, oral)—G. P. Murdock>
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