calibrate

[kal-uh-breyt]

verb (used with object)

calibrated, calibrating 

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.

calibrate

/ ˈkælɪˌbreɪt /

verb

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)

calibrate

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.

Other Word Forms

• calibration noun
• calibrator noun
• calibrater noun
• recalibrate verb (used with or without object)
• uncalibrated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calibrate¹

First recorded in 1860–65; calib(e)r + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Johnson Hall said the new approach gives the city flexibility to better calibrate funding amounts to help developers meet the fluctuating cost of projects.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In March, Viridor realised that its monitoring software was incorrectly calibrated and that a reassessment revealed it had been breached daily pollution limits for nitrogen oxides regularly between August 2022 and March 2024.

Read more on BBC

Russian propaganda, he argues, is also spread smartly: its content is calibrated to cater to specific audiences, even if it means adopting different ideological stances in different regions.

Read more on BBC

All of the elements of “Shucked” are perfectly calibrated to shamelessly win us over.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In a healthy democracy, public opinion can be understood as a type of barometer that elected officials use to calibrate their agendas and behaviors.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• adjust 
• assess 
• average 
• check 
• compute 
• determine 
• estimate 
• evaluate 
• fit 
• gauge 
• limit 
• mark 
• peg 
• quantify 
• rank 
• regulate 
• survey 
• weigh