inclined plane

noun
1.
one of the simple machines, a plane surface inclined to the horizon, or forming with a horizontal plane any angle but a right angle.
Compare machine (def 4b).
2.
incline (def 10a).
Origin
1700-10
Examples from the web for inclined plane
  • He strives and strives to clamber up an inclined plane, and each time slips down.
  • First, skids of two logs were placed against the wall at an angle to serve as an inclined plane.
  • Potential energy can be brought into the act by applying the conservation of energy to a cylinder rolling down an inclined plane.
  • The inclined plane is a flat surface that is raised so one end is higher than the other.
  • At the head of each inclined plane were stationary engines, which moved endless ropes to pull the railroad cars up the mountain.
  • Another method would be to roll the car down an inclined plane whose angle is adjusted so the car goes at constant speed.
  • For example, a ski jump is an example of an inclined plane.
  • Another arrangement is to place the sled on an variable inclined plane.
British Dictionary definitions for inclined plane

inclined plane

noun
1.
a plane whose angle to the horizontal is less than a right angle
inclined plane in Science
inclined plane
  (ĭn'klīnd')   
A plane surface, such as a ramp or a blade, set at an acute angle to a horizontal surface, a direction of motion, or a direction of force. Inclined planes are used to increase the distance over which work is done, reducing the amount of force needed to impart energy to a system. Rolling a car up a hill, for example, requires less force than lifting it straight up off the ground. Many tools, such as the ax, wedge, chisel, and highway ramp, exploit the mechanical properties of the inclined plane.