level

/ˈle-vəl/

Middle English, plumb line, from Anglo-French livel, from Vulgar Latin *libellum, alteration of Latin libella, from diminutive of libra weight, balance

noun

  1. a device for establishing a horizontal line or plane by means of a bubble in a liquid that shows adjustment to the horizontal by movement to the center of a slightly bowed glass tube

  2. a measurement of the difference of altitude of two points by means of a level

  3. horizontal condition; especially : equilibrium of a fluid marked by a horizontal surface of even altitude

verb

  1. to make (a line or surface) horizontal : make flat or level

  2. to bring to a horizontal aiming position

  3. aim, direct

level a field

adjective

  1. having no part higher than another : conforming to the curvature of the liquid parts of the earth's surface

  2. parallel with the plane of the horizon : horizontal

  3. even or unvarying in height

level flat plane even smooth mean having a surface without bends, curves, or irregularities. level applies to a horizontal surface that lies on a line parallel with the horizon. flat applies to a surface devoid of noticeable curvatures, prominences, or depressions.