inclined plane - a simple machine for elevating objects; consists of plane surface that makes an acute angle with the horizontalsimple machine, machine - a device for overcoming resistance at one point by applying force at some other point ramp, incline - an inclined surface or roadway that moves traffic from one level to another screw - a simple machine of the inclined-plane type consisting of a spirally threaded cylindrical rod that engages with a similarly threaded hole wedge - something solid that is usable as an inclined plane (shaped like a V) that can be pushed between two things to separate them |