calibrate
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
1Other words from calibrate
- cal·i·bra·tion [kal-uh-brey-shuhn], /ˌkæl əˈbreɪ ʃən/, noun
- cal·i·bra·tor, cal·i·brat·er, noun
- re·cal·i·brate, verb (used with or without 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. 2024
How to use calibrate in a sentence
Calibrating every facial expression, that's the hardest and most taxing part.
There are few issues that Obama has struggled more with than calibrating the balance between national security and liberty.
But the president showed little interest in calibrating the difference between the two conclusions.
How Obama Got Bin Laden: A Detailed Account From ‘Showdown’ by David Corn | David Corn | April 29, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTThe Clintons were better at calibrating their intellectual partnership when Bill was in office.
For calibrating the thermometers, an ordinary wooden water-pail is provided with several holes in the side near the bottom.
Respiration Calorimeters for Studying the Respiratory Exchange and Energy Transformations of Man | Francis Gano Benedict
For calibrating these thermometers a special arrangement is necessary.
Respiration Calorimeters for Studying the Respiratory Exchange and Energy Transformations of Man | Francis Gano BenedictEqually important with the foregoing is the necessity of calibrating and testing of all thermometers used during a test.
Steam Turbines | Hubert E. CollinsThis is calibrating your set by the known wave-lengths of distant stations.
Letters of a Radio-Engineer to His Son | John MillsThe wood is placed in the water, and known weights are used on the cardboard while calibrating.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2 | Various
British Dictionary definitions for calibrate
/ (ˈkælɪˌbreɪt) /
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)
Derived forms of calibrate
- calibration, noun
- calibrator 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
Scientific definitions for 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.
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