lev|er|age

lev|er|age «LEHV uhr ihj, LEE vuhr-; LEHV rihj», noun, verb, -aged, -ag|ing.

–n.

1. the action of a lever.

2. the advantage or power gained by using a lever.

3. Figurative. increased power of action; advantage for accomplishing a purpose.

4. U.S. Finance. the use of borrowed money in the expectation that large profits will be made on the money through investment.

–v.i., v.t.

U.S. Finance. to speculate or cause to speculate on borrowed money in the expectation that large profits will be made on the money.