Escalator

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɛs.kÉ™.leɪ.tÉ™/
• US enPR: esʹkÉ™-lā-tÉ™r, IPA: /ˈɛs.kÉ™.leɪ.tÉš/
• Hyphenation: es + ca + la + tor

Origin

From Escalator created by American inventor Charles Seeberger in 1900, from Latin e ("from", "out of") + scala ("ladder") + -or, which forms nouns of agency. Formerly a trademark. See: . Broader usage may be influenced by escalate. For an alternative etymology, see Online Etymology Dictionary.

Full definition of escalator

Noun

1. A motor-driven mechanical device consisting of a continuous loop of steps that automatically conveys people from one floor to another.
2. An upward or progressive course.
• 2009‎, ‎Feb 19, Froma Harrop, Housing aid may revive American dream for Latinos, Lots of people fell for the pitch that real estate was an up-only escalator into the American Dream
3. An escalator clause.They agreed to a cost-of-living escalator.

Derived terms

• escalator clause

Related terms

• escalate