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gauge

[geyj]
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verb (used with object), gauged, gaug·ing.
  1. to determine the exact dimensions, capacity, quantity, or force of; measure.
  2. to appraise, estimate, or judge.
  3. to make conformable to a standard.
  4. to mark or measure off; delineate.
  5. to prepare or mix (plaster) with a definite proportion of plaster of Paris and mortar.
  6. to chip or rub (bricks or stones) to a uniform size or shape.
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noun
  1. a standard of measure or measurement.
  2. a standard dimension, size, or quantity.
  3. any device or instrument for measuring, registering measurements, or testing something, especially for measuring a dimension, quantity, or mechanical accuracy: pressure gauge; marking gauge.
  4. a means of estimating or judging; criterion; test.
  5. extent; scope; capacity: trying to determine the gauge of his own strength.
  6. Ordnance. a unit of measure of the internal diameter of a shotgun barrel, determined by the number of spherical lead bullets of a diameter equal to that of the bore that are required to make one pound: a twelve-gauge shotgun.
  7. Railroads. the distance between the inner edges of the heads of the rails in a track, usually 4 feet 8.5 inches (1.4 meters) (standard gauge), but sometimes more (broad gauge) and sometimes less (narrow gauge).
  8. the distance between a pair of wheels on an axle.
  9. the thickness or diameter of various, usually thin, objects, as the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of a wire or screw.
  10. the fineness of a knitted fabric as expressed in loops per every 1.5 inches (3.8 cm): 15 denier, 60 gauge stockings.
  11. Nautical. the position of one vessel as being to the windward (weather gauge) or to the leeward (lee gauge) of another vessel on an approximately parallel course.
  12. Building Trades. the portion of the length of a slate, tile, etc., left exposed when laid in place.
  13. the amount of plaster of Paris mixed with mortar or common plaster to hasten the set.
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Also especially in technical use, gage.

Origin of gauge

1375–1425; late Middle English < Old North French (French jauge) < Germanic
Related formsgauge·a·ble, adjectivegauge·a·bly, adverbmis·gauge, verb (used with object), mis·gauged, mis·gaug·ing.mul·ti·gauge, adjectivere·gauge, verb (used with object), re·gauged, re·gaug·ing.self-gaug·ing, adjectiveun·gauged, adjective

Synonyms

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2. evaluate, assess, value, calculate.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

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British Dictionary definitions for gauges

gauge

gage

verb (tr)
  1. to measure or determine the amount, quantity, size, condition, etc, of
  2. to estimate or appraise; judge
  3. to check for conformity or bring into conformity with a standard measurement, dimension, etc
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noun
  1. a standard measurement, dimension, capacity, or quantity
  2. any of various instruments for measuring a quantitya pressure gauge
  3. any of various devices used to check for conformity with a standard measurement
  4. a standard or means for assessing; test; criterion
  5. scope, capacity, or extent
  6. the diameter of the barrel of a gun, esp a shotgun
  7. the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of wire
  8. the distance between the rails of a railway track: in Britain 4 ft 8 1/2 in. (1.435 m)
  9. the distance between two wheels on the same axle of a vehicle, truck, etc
  10. nautical the position of a vessel in relation to the wind and another vessel. One vessel may be windward (weather gauge) or leeward (lee gauge) of the other
  11. the proportion of plaster of Paris added to mortar to accelerate its setting
  12. the distance between the nails securing the slates, tiles, etc, of a roof
  13. a measure of the fineness of woven or knitted fabric, usually expressed as the number of needles used per inch
  14. the width of motion-picture film or magnetic tape
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adjective
  1. (of a pressure measurement) measured on a pressure gauge that registers zero at atmospheric pressure; above or below atmospheric pressure5 bar gauge See also absolute (def. 10)
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Derived Formsgaugeable or gageable, adjectivegaugeably or gageably, adverb

Word Origin

C15: from Old Northern French, probably of Germanic origin
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

Word Origin and History for gauges

gauge

v.

"ascertain by exact measurements," mid-15c., from Anglo-French gauge (mid-14c.), from Old North French gauger (Old French jauger), from gauge "gauging rod," perhaps from Frankish *galgo "rod, pole for measuring" or another Germanic source (cf. Old Norse gelgja "pole, perch," Old High German galgo; see gallows). Related: Gauged; gauging. The figurative use is from 1580s.

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gauge

n.

"fixed standard of measure," early 15c. (surname Gageman is early 14c.), from Old North French gauge "gauging rod" (see gauge (v.)). Meaning "instrument for measuring" is from 1680s.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper