(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.
(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.
(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.
(n.) Hence, figuratively, a certain position, rank, standard,
degree, quality, character, etc., conceived of as in one of several
planes of different elevation.
(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.
(n.) An instrument by which to find a horizontal line, or adjust
something with reference to a horizontal line.
(n.) A measurement of the difference of altitude of two points,
by means of a level; as, to take a level.
(n.) A horizontal passage, drift, or adit, in a mine.
(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.
(a.) Coinciding or parallel with the plane of the horizon;
horizontal; as, the telescope is now level.
(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.
(a.) Straightforward; direct; clear; open.
(a.) Well balanced; even; just; steady; impartial; as, a level
head; a level understanding. [Colloq.]
(a.) Of even tone; without rising or falling inflection.
(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.
(v. t.) To bring to a lower level; to overthrow; to topple down;
to reduce to a flat surface; to lower.
(v. t.) To bring to a horizontal position, as a gun; hence, to
point in taking aim; to aim; to direct.
(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.
(v. t.) To adjust or adapt to a certain level; as, to level
remarks to the capacity of children.
(v. i.) To be level; to be on a level with, or on an equality
with, something; hence, to accord; to agree; to suit.
(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.
