leveling (root: level)

• HYPHEN: lev=el=ing

CIDE DICTIONARY

leveling, n. [Written also levelling.].

•  The act or operation of making level.  [1913 Webster]
•  The art or operation of using a leveling instrument for finding a horizontal line, for ascertaining the differences of level between different points of the earth's surface included in a survey, for establishing grades, etc., as in finding the descent of a river, or locating a line of railroad.  [1913 Webster]

Leveling instrument. See Surveyor's level, under Level, n. -- Leveling staff, a graduated rod or staff used in connection with a leveling instrument for measuring differences of level between points.