Definition of "escalator" []

• A moving stairway consisting of steps attached to a continuously circulating belt. (noun)
• An escalator clause. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The vertical displacement between each successive line reflects generational differences where each successive cohort began its ascent up the life cycle escalator, or in other words, the gradual generational decline in religious observance."
• "Conversely, the "inconvenience" that a commuter who wanted to go to the other end of Century City would have to suffer is no greater than walking from one end of the mall to the other -- or even less since an escalator from the subway would presumably bring the commuter to the street level towards the middle of the block between Santa Monica and Constellation."
• "The escalator is used to a stunning and scary effect as are the shadows and lighting effects on the old recording."