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