calibrate

[kal-uh-breyt]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR calibrate ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), cal·i·brat·ed, cal·i·brat·ing.

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

First recorded in 1860–65; caliber + -ate¹

Related formscal·i·bra·tion, nouncal·i·bra·tor, cal·i·brat·er, nounin·ter·cal·i·bra·tion, nounre·cal·i·brate, verb (used with 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. 2019

Related Words for recalibrate

amend, fix, remedy, redress, improve, restore, vindicate, neutralize, mend, counteract, regulate, correct, mitigate, rectify, assuage, relieve, solve, alleviate, ameliorate, tighten

Examples from the Web for recalibrate

Contemporary Examples of recalibrate

With Hillary Clinton waiting in the wings on the Democratic side, the Republicans need to recalibrate quickly.
Cleveland, LeBron James, and the 2016 Republican Convention
Lloyd Green
July 14, 2014
They expect him to recalibrate, slightly, to be more happy warrior than culture warrior.
Happy Huckabee Gets Mad
David Freedlander
May 6, 2014
Brody had to recalibrate when Akbari head faked in a public square and enlisted Abu Nazir's widow to vet him instead.
‘Homeland’ Is Finally Back On Track with Season 3’s Penultimate Episode, “Big Man in Tehran”
Andrew Romano
December 9, 2013
The man toppled forward, and a surreal silence followed as though reality had to recalibrate.
Death on Killer Mountain
Amanda Padoan
July 6, 2013
Instead of running away from the asymmetries between Zionism and liberalism, J Street aims to recalibrate them.
My Former Life As a Kahanist Posterboy
Zack Parker
June 17, 2013

British Dictionary definitions for recalibrate

calibrate

verb (tr)

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 Formscalibration, nouncalibrator 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

Word Origin and History for recalibrate

1883, from re- + calibrate. Related: Recalibrated; recalibrating.