Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

calibrate

[kal-uh-breyt]
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), cal·i·brat·ed, cal·i·brat·ing.
  1. to determine, check, or rectify the graduation of (any instrument giving quantitative measurements).
  2. to divide or mark with gradations, graduations, or other indexes of degree, quantity, etc., as on a thermometer, measuring cup, or the like.
  3. to determine the correct range for (an artillery gun, mortar, etc.) by observing where the fired projectile hits.
  4. to plan or devise (something) carefully so as to have a precise use, application, appeal, etc.: a sales strategy calibrated to rich investors.
Show More

Origin of calibrate

First recorded in 1860–65; caliber + -ate1
Related formscal·i·bra·tion, nouncal·i·bra·tor, cal·i·brat·er, nounin·ter·cal·i·bra·tion, nounre·cal·i·brate, verb (used with object), re·cal·i·brat·ed, re·cal·i·brat·ing.un·cal·i·brat·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for calibrate

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

British Dictionary definitions for calibrate

calibrate

verb (tr)
  1. to measure the calibre of (a gun, mortar, etc)
  2. to mark (the scale of a measuring instrument) so that readings can be made in appropriate units
  3. to determine the accuracy of (a measuring instrument, etc)
  4. to determine or check the range and accuracy of (a piece of artillery)
Show More
Derived Formscalibration, nouncalibrator or calibrater, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for calibrate

v.

1839, verb formed from caliber + -ate (2). Related: calibrated; calibrating.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
calibrate in Medicine

calibrate

(kăl′ə-brāt′)
v.
  1. To check, adjust, or determine the graduations of a quantitative measuring instrument by comparison with a standard.
  2. To determine the caliber of a tube.
  3. To make corrections in or adjust a procedure or process.
Show More
Related formscal′i•bra′tor n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
calibrate in Science

calibrate

[kăl′ə-brāt′]
  1. To check, adjust, or standardize a measuring instrument, usually by comparing it with an accepted model.
  2. To measure the diameter of the inside of a tube.
Show More
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.