caliper

or cal·li·per

[ kal-uh-per ]

noun

1. Usually calipers. an instrument for measuring thicknesses and internal or external diameters inaccessible to a scale, consisting usually of a pair of adjustable pivoted legs.
2. any of various calibrated instruments for measuring thicknesses or distances between surfaces, usually having a screwed or sliding adjustable piece. Compare vernier caliper.
3. thickness or depth, as of paper or a tree.
4. Usually calipers. the pincers of an earwig.
5. Automotive. the part of a disc-brake assembly that straddles the disc and presses the brake pads against it.
6. a similar part used with a hand brake on a bicycle.

verb (used with object)

1. to measure with calipers.

verb (used without object)

1. to use calipers.

caliper

/ ˈkælɪpə /

noun

1. See calliper
   the usual US spelling of calliper

caliper

/ kăl′ə-pər /

1. An instrument consisting of two curved legs connected at a hinge, used to measure thickness and distance. Often used in the plural as calipers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of caliper¹

First recorded in 1580–90; presumably variant of caliber

Example Sentences

The scale and object to be marked are fastened in line with one another, and the caliper bar is used from step to step.

From Project Gutenberg

The other extremities of these buttons are spherical and polished and serve as caliper points in the operation of measuring.

From Project Gutenberg

An inspector would need to be equipped with an ordinary rectangular caliper.

From Project Gutenberg

This measurement can be got by removing both end stones and taking the distance with a Boley gage or a douzieme caliper.

From Project Gutenberg

After the adjusting screw to the caliper is set, the spring of the blades allows of their removal.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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