calibrate
[kal-uh-breyt]
- to determine, check, or rectify the graduation of (any instrument giving quantitative measurements).
- to divide or mark with gradations, graduations, or other indexes of degree, quantity, etc., as on a thermometer, measuring cup, or the like.
- to determine the correct range for (an artillery gun, mortar, etc.) by observing where the fired projectile hits.
- to plan or devise (something) carefully so as to have a precise use, application, appeal, etc.: a sales strategy calibrated to rich investors.
Origin of calibrate
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for calibrate
Contemporary Examples
As a result of this book it is now much easier to calibrate the nature, range, and methods of the mogul.
Murdoch on the Rocks: How a Lone Reporter Revealed the Mogul's Tabloid Terror MachineClive Irving
August 25, 2014
You do that to a certain extent with performance capture by the way you calibrate the model of Caesar—or the rig, as we call it.
I am here to correct and calibrate your morale compasses to true north.
Rogue L.A. Cop’s Facebook Manifesto: ‘You Will Now Live the Life of Prey’The Daily Beast
February 8, 2013
There may be a lesson for the Obama administration as it tries to calibrate what Israel will do on Iran.
Both men agreed to calibrate its exact size so as to reach 51-49 for the whole country.
Historical Examples
It would be more correct to calibrate it in units of air pressure.
The Aeroplane SpeaksH. Barber
How would you know that the weights you used to calibrate your scale were really what you thought them to be?
Letters of a Radio-Engineer to His SonJohn Mills
A house, or some such landmark which is shewn on our trench maps, is usually chosen to calibrate upon.
Three years in France with the Guns:C. A. Rose
calibrate
- to measure the calibre of (a gun, mortar, etc)
- to mark (the scale of a measuring instrument) so that readings can be made in appropriate units
- to determine the accuracy of (a measuring instrument, etc)
- to determine or check the range and accuracy of (a piece of artillery)
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
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
calibrate
(kăl′ə-brāt′)
- To check, adjust, or determine the graduations of a quantitative measuring instrument by comparison with a standard.
- To determine the caliber of a tube.
- To make corrections in or adjust a procedure or process.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
calibrate
[kăl′ə-brāt′]
- To check, adjust, or standardize a measuring instrument, usually by comparing it with an accepted model.
- To measure the diameter of the inside of a tube.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.