wire gage
- noun
- /ˈwaɪər ɡeɪdʒ/
- Specialized
:
calibre de alambre
- The electrician used a wire gage to determine the thickness of the wire needed for the installation.
Examples
-
Using a wire gage helps you select the right wire size for your project.
-
To ensure proper connections, it's essential to check the wire gage before starting any electrical work.
-
Wire gauge here is given as an example; consult a voltage drop calculator and building codes for wire recommendations.
Blog text (13)
Synonyms
63
4.4
A standard measurement of size or thickness used to compare objects
A tool for measuring the thickness of wire
A tool that measures very small distances or thicknesses using a fine screw
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'an instrument used to measure the diameter or thickness of wire' is directly and compositionally derived from 'wire' (thin metal strand) + 'gage' (measuring instrument). This noun+noun compounding pattern is regular in English (e.g. 'pressure gauge', 'fuel gauge') and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should understand it.
Etymology
Wire gage comes from a simple measuring tool: early gage plates had holes or slots where you put a wire to see which hole fit, so you could tell the wire's 'size'. That's why wire gage means a tool for measuring the 'thickness' or 'size' of a wire.