lever

Everyday

1. A lever is a bar or handle that moves around a fixed point (the pivot or fulcrum) to help lift or move something heavy with less effort. tree →
2. A lever is a handle you push or pull to work a machine: a gear lever. tree →
3. To lever something is to move or open it using a lever: lever off a lid. tree →

In the lessons

In science, the lever is a simple machine: a seesaw, scissors, a spoon prising open a tin lid, a bottle opener and a wheelbarrow are all levers. The farther your push is from the pivot, the less force you need to lift the load. Phrases: pull the lever, lever open, lever up, gear lever.

Examples

• A seesaw is a kind of lever. tree →
• Use a spoon as a lever to open the paint tin. tree →
• Pull the lever to start the machine. tree →
• Scissors are two levers joined together. tree →
• The longer the lever, the easier it is to lift the load. tree →
• She levered the lid off the box. tree →
• The pivot is the point a lever turns around. tree →
• The driver moved the gear lever. tree →

Note

Pronounced LEE-ver (UK, Australia, NZ, Ireland) or LEV-er (USA, Canada). Parts: load, effort, pivot (fulcrum). In maths/science, a lever balances when weight x distance on one side equals weight x distance on the other side.