wire gauge

American  

noun

1. a gauge calibrated for determining the diameter of wire.

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wire-gauge British  

noun

1. a flat plate with slots in which standard wire sizes can be measured

2. a standard system of sizes for measuring the diameters of wires

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Etymology

Origin of wire gauge

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

A wire’s size is referred to as the wire gauge.

From Seattle Times

And fences must meet strict criteria on height, wire gauge and post spacing.

From Washington Times

A simple wire gauge is usually formed of a piece of steel containing numerous notches, whose widths are equal to the intended thickness to be measured in each respective notch.

From Project Gutenberg

And that meant light and intermittent pressures on the number 43 wire gauge drill—the one that's the right size to drill out a 4-40.

From Project Gutenberg

We have no precise evidence concerning the original wire gauges of the strings of Italian harpsichords and virginals.

From Project Gutenberg