calibration

[kal-uh-brey-shuhn]

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

• intercalibration noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of calibration¹

calibr(ate) + -ation ( def. )

Example Sentences

If Grizzly Bear’s early years were about convergence — four young men building a sound that felt both communal and claustrophobic, this chapter is about calibration: finding equilibrium after a long season apart.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Detecting these fleeting pairs among countless other particles required extremely sensitive equipment and meticulous calibration.

Read more on Science Daily

They need to learn their own delicate calibration of family dynamics – of when to speak and when not to, she says.

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The markets will shift attention less toward the decision of the Fed, but rather toward the tone, calibration and forward guidance.

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NHS England says fewer than 10% of their laboratories were affected and all have either replaced the machines or addressed calibration issues.

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Related Words

• amount 
• analysis 
• appraisal 
• assessment 
• density 
• dimension 
• evaluation 
• frequency 
• height 
• measure 
• size 
• survey 
• weight