leverage-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: a measure of mechanical advantage, using a lever

Commentary: LEVERAGE[+quantity][+measure][+mechanical][+advantage]

Examples:
John used a long metal bar to increase his leverage for lifting the stone.
What is the leverage gained by using this pulley?

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: a state of strategic or political advantage

Commentary: LEVERAGE[+state][+social][+advantage][+strategic]
NOTE: figurative extension of Sense 1

Examples:
The right wing has lost much of its leverage in the Assembly.
Those activists have exerted considerable political leverage in recent years.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: ratio of borrowed money to equity held

Commentary: LEVERAGE[+quantity][+ratio][+money][+loan][+equity]

Examples:
Bill's financial advisor told him not to increase his leverage in the energy markets.
The leverage of many of these small cap firms has increased significantly.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 4: the exertion of force on an object

Commentary: LEVERAGE[+action][+exertion][+force]

Examples:
My spade hit something hard in the soil that wouldn't respond to leverage.
With a bit of leverage John managed to force the top of the trunk open.

Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 1