calibrate

[ kal-uh-breyt ]

/ ˈkæl əˌbreɪt /

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See synonyms for: calibrate / calibrated / calibrating / calibration 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.

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Origin of calibrate

First recorded in 1860–65; calib(e)r + -ate¹

OTHER WORDS FROM calibrate

cal·i·bra·tion

[kal-uh-brey-shuhn], /ˌkæl əˈbreɪ ʃən/, nouncal·i·bra·tor, cal·i·brat·er, nounre·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. 2023

How to use calibrate in a sentence

By setting the incentives and defining the constraints, our culturally-constructed world shapes how we think, feel, and perceive—it tinkers with and calibrates the machinery of our minds.
Martin Luther Rewired Your Brain - Issue 96: Rewired|Joseph Henrich|February 17, 2021|Nautilus

British Dictionary definitions for calibrate

calibrate

/ (ˈkælɪˌbreɪt) /

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 forms of calibrate

calibration, 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