el|e|va|tor

el|e|va|tor «EHL uh _VAY tuhr», noun.

1. something that raises or lifts up.

2. a moving platform or cage to carry people and things up and down in a building, mine, or the like; a lift: »

Another interesting modern feature is the change-over from elevators to escalators (London Times).

3. a building for storing grain: »

Elevators are a familiar sight on the prairies.

4. an adjustable flat piece, usually on the tail of an airplane, to cause it to go up or down: »

The upward and downward course of the airplane is governed by the elevator (Beauchamp, Mayfield, and West).

╂[< Late Latin ēlevātor < ēlevāre; see etym. under elevate (Cf. ↑elevate)]