Definition

1. Noun:
   • A surveyor's level having a short telescope fixed to a horizontally rotating table and a spirit level: A "dumpy level" is a specific type of optical instrument used in surveying and construction. Its key features are a short, rigid telescope and a spirit level mounted on a rotating base, used primarily for establishing horizontal lines of sight and measuring height differences over distances.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surveyor set up the dumpy level on the tripod to check the site's elevation.
  • Using a dumpy level is a fundamental skill for civil engineering students.

Advanced Usage

• "to take a reading with a dumpy level": to measure and record a height or level using this instrument.
  • The assistant took a reading with the dumpy level while the surveyor recorded the data.

Variants and Related Words

• Level (n): A more general term for an instrument used to establish a horizontal plane or measure height differences.
  • An optical level is essential for many construction tasks.
• Surveyor's level (n): A category of instruments for leveling, which includes the dumpy level.
  • The theodolite and the dumpy level are both types of surveyor's levels.

Synonyms

• Builder's level: A common synonym for a dumpy level, emphasizing its use in construction.
• Automatic level: A more modern type of level that uses a compensator to automatically establish a horizontal line of sight, often replacing the traditional dumpy level.

Related Phrases

• "to set up the level": to prepare the instrument for use by placing it on a stable tripod and adjusting it to be perfectly level.
  • It took him a few minutes to set up the level correctly on the uneven ground.
• "to run a level": to perform a series of leveling measurements along a path or between points.
  • The crew needed to run a level from the benchmark to the new building's foundation.

Noun

1. a surveyor's level having a short telescope fixed to a horizontally rotating table and a spirit level