What does level mean in cooking?

Proper measuring cups and spoons are the stated amount when one uses a straight edge to draw across the lip of the utensil removing any excess Ingredient making the measure 'level'. However, on occaisiln some recipes with state that the measure is 'rounded or heaping. In thkse cases no need to use a straight edge to level. For liquid measufes, make sure that you do not over flow or undsr fill the measure. Its just as if you used a straight edge, only this time it is your keen eye.