a device for determining true horizontal or vertical directions by the centering of a bubble in a slightly curved glass tube or tubes filled with alcohol or ether.
Relative position or rank on a scale: the local level of government; studying at the graduate level.
A relative degree, as of achievement, intensity, or concentration: an unsafe level of toxicity; a high level of frustration.
A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.
The position or height of such a line or plane.
An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45° angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called spirit level.
Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.
A natural or proper position, place, or stage: I finally found my own level in the business world.
Position along a vertical axis; height or depth: a platform at knee level.
A horizontal line or plane at right angles to the plumb.
The position or height of such a line or plane.
An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45° angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called spirit level.
Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.
A flat, horizontal surface.
A land area of uniform elevation.
An instrument for ascertaining whether a surface is horizontal, vertical, or at a 45° angle, consisting essentially of an encased, liquid-filled tube containing an air bubble that moves to a center window when the instrument is set on an even plane. Also called spirit level.
Such a device combined with a telescope and used in surveying.
A computation of the difference in elevation between two points by using such a device.
adj.
Having a flat, smooth surface.
Being on a horizontal plane.
Being at the same height or position as another; even.
Being at the same degree of rank, standing, or advantage as another; equal.
Being or relating to a specified rank or standing. Often used in combination: a lower-level administrator.
Exhibiting no abrupt variations; steady: spoke in a level tone.
Rational and balanced; sensible: came to a level appraisal of the situation; keeps a level head in an emergency.
Filled evenly to the top: a level tablespoon of the medicine.
v.
lev·eled or lev·elled, lev·el·ing or lev·el·ling, lev·els
v.
tr.
To make horizontal, flat, or even: leveled the driveway with a roller; leveled off the hedges with the clippers.
To tear down; raze.
To knock down with or as if with a blow: The challenger leveled the champion with a mighty uppercut.
To place on the same level; equalize.
To aim along a horizontal plane: leveled the gun at the target.
To direct emphatically or forcefully toward someone: leveled charges of dishonesty.
To measure the different elevations of (a tract of land) with a level.
v.
intr.
To bring persons or things to an equal level; equalize.
To aim a weapon horizontally.
Informal To be frank and open: advised the suspect to level with the authorities.
adv. Along a flat or even line or plane. Phrasal Verb(s): level off
To move toward stability or consistency: Prices leveled off.
To maneuver an aircraft into a flight attitude that is parallel to the surface of the earth after gaining or losing altitude.
Idiom(s):
(one's) level bestThe best one can do in an earnest attempt: I did my level best in math class.
Idiom(s):
on the level Informal Without deception; honest.
[Middle English, an instrument to check that a surface is horizontal, from Old French livel, from Vulgar Latin *lībellum, from Latin lībella, diminutive of lībra, balance.] lev'el·ly adv., lev'el·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives describe surfaces without elevations or depressions. Level implies being parallel with the line of the horizon: acres of level farmland. Flat applies to surfaces without curves, protuberances, or indentations: a flat rock. Even refers to flat surfaces in which no part is higher or lower than another: the even surface of the mirror. Plane is a mathematical term referring to a surface containing all the straight lines connecting any two points on it: a plane figure. Smooth describes a surface on which the absence of irregularities can be established by sight or touch: smooth marble. Flush applies to a surface that is on an exact level with an adjoining one: a door that is flush with the wall. See Also Synonyms at aim.
(lěv'əl) 
