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Synonyms

calibration

American  
[kal-uh-brey-shuhn] / ˌkæl əˈbreɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act or process of determining, checking, or rectifying the settings or gradations on a measuring instrument or other piece of precision equipment; the resulting condition of the equipment.

    I took the copter down to the beach to do the compass calibration, so as to be absolutely sure there was no metal around when I did it.

  2. the act or process of marking a measuring instrument with the necessary gradations; the resulting markings or settings.

    Our measuring cups are designed with calibrations on the side so that exact measurement can be given.

  3. the act or process of planning or devising something carefully so as to have a precise use, application, appeal, etc..

    He advocated for the calibration of fiscal policy to balance growth needs and minimize debt.

  4. the act or process of determining the correct range for an artillery gun, mortar, etc., by observing where the projectile hits.

    The field regiment moved to a deserted area to carry out a shoot for the calibration of every gun.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of calibration

calibr(ate) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said that Ising’s two AI models, Ising Calibration and Ising Decoder, tackle major challenges that could otherwise impede the creation of quantum systems.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

Calibration curves for all eight PAHs showed exceptional linearity, with the R2 value surpassing 0.99.

From Science Daily • Dec. 1, 2025

Calibration is particularly challenging for projects that require precise measurements of the brightness of astronomical objects, such as faint, faraway galaxies.

From Scientific American • Oct. 11, 2022

Calibration in the Govee Home app requires seven pads placed around the edges.

From The Verge • Jul. 8, 2021

Calibration of a Mercury Thermometer.—To facilitate description, we will take the case of a fine-bore tube, such as that of a thermometer, to be calibrated with a thread of mercury.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 1 "Calhoun" to "Camoens" by Various