elevator
UK: ˈel.ɪ.veɪ.tər | US: ˈel.ə.veɪ.t̬ɚ
n. a mechanical device used for lifting or lowering people or goods between floors of a building
n. (aviation) a movable control surface on an aircraft wing to control pitch
n. (anatomy) a muscle that raises a body part
The word elevator entered English in the 17th century, initially referring to muscles that lift body parts. Its modern mechanical sense emerged in the 19th century with industrialization. The Latin root elevare reflects the core idea of upward motion, preserved in related words like elevate and levitate. The suffix -ator systematically converts verbs into nouns denoting tools or agents (compare creator, generator).
The hotel installed a new glass elevator with panoramic views.
Pilots adjust the elevator to control the aircraft’s pitch.
The levator scapulae is an important muscle for shoulder movement.
Freight elevators are essential in warehouses for heavy loads.
She pressed the button and waited for the elevator to arrive.