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⚖️ To adjust accurately 📏 To measure diameter
to calibrate

to calibrate

36 6.0
Adjust a measuring instrument so it gives accurate results
  • verb
  • /ˈkælɪˌbreɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : calibrar
  • The eye tracker was calibrated at the beginning of the experiment using a standard 9-point procedure.
  • calibrate the meter
  • calibrate the system
  • calibrate the scale

So it's now calibrating itself and it's giving me a quick tutorial.

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Examples

  • The toxicology equipment they used was last calibrated in June of 2009.

    Flight (2012)

  • The machines should be maintained, serviced, and calibrated according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

    Academic text (2011)

  • So she helped me calibrate the right the right volume for the tape player.

  • They use this method to calibrate those meters today.

  • Tell them to put the spectrometers on the roof and calibrate them for gamma rays.

    The Avengers (2012)

  • The control rods will have to be calibrated.

    Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)

  • We have just spent three months calibrating the new antennae at Tchalinko.

    2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

  • Before beginning the reading trials, the Eyelink system was calibrated for each participant.

    Academic text (2013)

  • We measured the blood pressure in the non-cannulated arm of each participant using a calibrated mercury sphygmomanometer.

    Academic text (2012)

  • To ensure accurate readings, we need to calibrate the thermometer before using it.

Synonyms

to fine-tune
vsto calibrate
26 4.2

To make small changes so something works better

is used when adjusting measuring instruments to give accurate readings
to graduate
vsto calibrate
  • Specialized
13 7.2

To mark a container with lines to measure liquids accurately

is broader and includes adjusting instruments for accurate results rather than marking
to gauge
vsto calibrate
  • Specialized
3 4.5

To adjust something to a required size or measurement

focuses on adjusting or marking measuring instruments specifically for accurate readings

How Accurate

to perfect
118 3.9
to calibrate
  • Specialized
36 6.0
to fine-tune
26 4.2
to adjust
317 2.7

Surface Forms

calibrate infinitive
calibrated past
calibrated past participle
calibrating present participle
calibrates third person singular

Morphology

calibrate = caliber (semi-transparent) = caliber + ate

The verb is formed from 'caliber' + '-ate', but the common meaning 'to adjust or standardize an instrument' is an extended, technical sense not directly obvious from 'caliber' for average learners.

Etymology

Calibrate comes from the same root as caliber (also spelled calibre), a word that once meant the 'size' of a barrel or tube and comes from Arabic qalib meaning 'mold' or 'shape'. So to calibrate is to set or check a measuring tool to the right 'size' or standard so it gives correct results.