inclined plane; ramp
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
inclined plane; slanting surface; oblique plane
Refers to any surface that is not horizontal or vertical, used in geometry, construction, and general contexts.
The small ball rolled down the inclined plane.
One end of this bridge was built as an inclined plane to facilitate wheelchair access.
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Objects will slide down on a smooth inclined surface.
noun
inclined plane (simple machine); ramp
technicalOne of the six classical simple machines in physics and mechanics. Variations include the screw and the wedge. It allows heavy objects to be raised with less force than lifting them vertically.
The inclined plane is a simple machine that saves effort.
Screws and wedges are both variations of the inclined plane.
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Using a ramp to push heavy objects onto a vehicle is much easier than lifting them directly.
Both axes and screws apply the principle of the inclined plane.