spirit level

noun

, Surveying.

1. a device for determining true horizontal or vertical directions by the centering of a bubble in a slightly curved glass tube or tubes filled with alcohol or ether.

spirit level

noun

1. a device for setting horizontal surfaces, consisting of an accurate block of material in which a sealed slightly curved tube partially filled with liquid is set so that the air bubble rests between two marks on the tube when the block is horizontal

Word History and Origins

Origin of spirit level¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

The terrain was fairly level, but a spirit level would have shown a marked tilt to the east.

From Project Gutenberg

Fasten a double or two-way spirit level on the front left-hand corner.

From Project Gutenberg

If it were not for this principle of capillary attraction, it would be difficult to form a bubble of air in a spirit level.

From Project Gutenberg

Place it lightly in a vice, and in such a position that a spirit-level on top shows the bubble exactly in the centre.

From Project Gutenberg

With chain and spirit level the route was carefully surveyed from Lynchburg to the Ohio.

From Project Gutenberg