lever meaning

• Noun: lever  levur [N. Amer], leevu(r) [Brit]
  1. A rigid bar pivoted about a fulcrum 
  2. A simple machine that gives a mechanical advantage when given a fulcrum 
  3. A flat metal tumbler in a lever lock
     - lever tumbler
  Verb: lever  levur [N. Amer], leevu(r) [Brit]
  1. To move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
     - pry, prise [Brit, Cdn], prize [N. Amer], jimmy [N. Amer], jemmy

  Derived forms: levered, levering, levers

  See also: leverage

  Type of: bar, machine, open, open up, simple machine, tumbler

  Part of: lever lock

  Encyclopedia: Lever Lever, Portugal Lever, Vila Nova de Gaia

• 
  [Business]
  AmE / noun, verb

  ■ noun [C]

  1

  a handle used to operate a piece of machinery or a vehicle:

  Pull the lever towards you to start the machine.

  2

  an action or thing that is used to persuade sb to do sth:

  The company used every possible lever to secure the deal.

  a powerful lever for change

  ■ verb [+ obj]

  to move sth with a lever

  : (figurative) The government is hoping to lever money from private investors for the project.

• beaver lever:    [British slang]Nou ...
• compound lever:    Noun: compound lev ...
• foot lever:    Noun: foot leverA ...

Examples

1. put the gear lever in the neutral position.
2. pity is a lever for quickening love.
3. mr. lever had never before fallen so low as this.
4. he employed his knife as a lever.
5. the animals learned to press switch levers with their paws.