elevator

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science American English

n. a tall building used for storing large amounts of grain like wheat or corn.

n. a facility or tower designed for the stockpiling and discharge of grain, often equipped with machinery for vertical movement.

“The farmers drove their trucks to the grain elevator after the harvest.”

“The massive concrete grain elevator dominated the rural skyline, serving as the primary storage hub for the surrounding wheat farms.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical

n. a part on the tail of an airplane that helps it move up or down.

n. a hinged horizontal control surface at the rear of an aircraft, used to control the pitch of the machine.

“The pilot moved the elevator to make the plane climb higher.”

“The flight instructor explained how the elevator affects the aircraft's pitch by changing the airflow over the horizontal stabilizer.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Technical

n. a muscle that lifts a body part, or a tool a dentist uses to move a tooth.

n. a muscle that serves to raise a body part, or a surgical instrument used to reflect or lift tissue or bone.

“The dentist used an elevator to gently loosen the tooth before pulling it out.”

“The surgeon carefully applied the elevator to separate the periosteum from the underlying bone during the reconstructive procedure.”

C1 · Advanced Informal

v. to travel up or down in an elevator.

v. to move or travel by means of an elevator.

“We decided to elevator up to the rooftop bar to see the view.”

“Rather than navigating the crowded stairwell, the guests chose to elevator to the penthouse suite.”