Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pair of levers hinged at the fulcrum: A "compound lever" is a simple machine consisting of two levers connected and pivoting at a common fulcrum, designed to multiply the applied force or the resulting movement.

Usage

• A "compound lever" is a technical term used primarily in physics and mechanical engineering to describe a specific type of mechanism.
• It is typically used to explain mechanical advantage in systems like scales, certain types of presses, or hand tools.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The old-fashioned letter press used a compound lever to apply great pressure.
  • A basic understanding of the compound lever is essential for this engineering module.
  • The design utilizes a compound lever to amplify the small input force from the user.

Advanced Usage

• "compound-lever system": A more complex arrangement involving multiple levers.
  • The braking mechanism is based on a sophisticated compound-lever system.

Variants and Related Words

• Lever (n): A simple machine consisting of a rigid bar pivoted on a fixed point (fulcrum) used to transmit force.
• Mechanical advantage (n): The ratio of the force produced by a machine to the force applied to it, a key principle demonstrated by levers.

Synonyms

• Lever system: A general term for an arrangement of levers.
• Linked levers: Descriptive term for levers connected together.

Related Phrases

• Principle of the lever: The foundational physical law that levers operate on, as defined by Archimedes.
• Force multiplication: The increase in output force achieved by a machine like a compound lever.

Noun

1. a pair of levers hinged at the fulcrum