| • | 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 measurement of the difference of altitude of two points,
   by means of a level; as, to take a level. | 
| • | 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. |