Definitions for the word "level" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard, degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several planes of different elevation.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust something with reference to a horizontal line.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
A measurement of the difference of altitude of two points, by means of a level; as, to take a level.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. a.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. a.
Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon; horizontal; as, the telescope is now level.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. a.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. a.
Straightforward; direct; clear; open.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. a.
Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level head; a level understanding. [Colloq.]
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. a.
Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. t.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v. t.
To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down; to reduce to a flat surface; to lower.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. v. t.
To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to point in taking aim; to aim; to direct.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. v. t.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. v. t.
To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level remarks to the capacity of children.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. v. i.
To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality with, something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. v. i.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
22. n.
1 horizontal line or plane. 2 height or value reached; position on a real or imaginary scale (eye level; sugar level; danger level). 3 social, moral, or intellectual standard. 4 plane of rank or authority (talks at cabinet level). 5 instrument giving a line parallel to the plane of the horizon. 6 level surface. 7 flat tract of land. adj. 1 flat and even; not bumpy. 2 horizontal. 3 (often foll. By with) a on the same horizontal plane as something else. B having equality with something else. 4 even, uniform, equable, or well-balanced. v. (-ll-; us -l-) 1 make level. 2 raze. 3 (also absol.) Aim (a missile or gun). 4 (also absol.; foll. By at, against) direct (an accusation etc.). do one''s level best colloq. Do one''s utmost. Find one''s level reach the right social, intellectual, etc. Position. Level down bring down to a standard. Level off make or become level. Level out make or become level. Level up bring up to a standard. On the level 1 honestly, without deception. 2 honest, truthful. On a level with 1 in the same horizontal plane as. 2 equal with. [latin diminutive of libra balance]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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