level-off

[ lev-uh l-awf, -of ]
/ ˈlɛv əlˈɔf, -ˈɒf /

noun Aeronautics.

the maneuver of bringing an aircraft into a horizontal flying position after an ascent or descent.

Origin of level-off

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase level off

Definition for level off (2 of 2)

Origin of level

1300–50; Middle English (noun and v.), variant of livel (noun) < Middle French < Vulgar Latin *lībellum, for Latin lībella plummet line, level, diminutive of lībra balance, scales; for formation, see castellum

SYNONYMS FOR level

1, 2 flush. Level, even, flat, smooth suggest a uniform surface without marked unevenness. That which is level is parallel to the horizon: a level surface; A billiard table must be level. Flat is applied to any plane surface free from marked irregularities: a flat roof. With reference to land or country, flat connotes lowness or unattractiveness; level does not suggest anything derogatory. That which is even is free from irregularities, though not necessarily level or plane: an even land surface with no hills. Smooth suggests a high degree of evenness in any surface, especially to the touch and sometimes to the sight: as smooth as silk.
19 smooth, flatten.
21 raze, demolish, destroy.
23 equalize.
26 direct.

OTHER WORDS FROM level

British Dictionary definitions for level off

level
/ (ˈlɛvəl) /

adjective

verb -els, -elling or -elled or US -els, -eling or -eled

noun

Derived forms of level

levelly, adverb levelness, noun

Word Origin for level

C14: from Old French livel, from Vulgar Latin lībellum (unattested), from Latin lībella, diminutive of lībra scales

Medical definitions for level off

level
[ lĕvəl ]

n.

Relative position or rank on a graded scale, such as mental or emotional development.
A relative degree, as of intensity or concentration.

Idioms and Phrases with level off (1 of 2)

level off

Move toward stability or consistency, as in Prices have leveled off. This idiom transfers a physical flattening to a figurative one. [Mid-1900s]

Idioms and Phrases with level off (2 of 2)

level