calibration

[ kal-uh-brey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of determining, checking, or rectifying the settings or gradations on a measuring instrument or other piece of precision equipment; the resulting condition of the equipment:

   I took the copter down to the beach to do the compass calibration, so as to be absolutely sure there was no metal around when I did it.

2. the act or process of marking a measuring instrument with the necessary gradations; the resulting markings or settings:

   Our measuring cups are designed with calibrations on the side so that exact measurement can be given.

3. the act or process of planning or devising something carefully so as to have a precise use, application, appeal, etc.:

   He advocated for the calibration of fiscal policy to balance growth needs and minimize debt.

4. the act or process of determining the correct range for an artillery gun, mortar, etc., by observing where the projectile hits:

   The field regiment moved to a deserted area to carry out a shoot for the calibration of every gun.

Other Words From

• in·ter·cal·i·bra·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of calibration¹

calibr(ate) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

This outbreak of centrism may include a dose of election-year calibration.

From Los Angeles Times

Worldwide Environmental Products Inc was awarded a contract in 2019 for the supply, installation, commission, calibration and maintenance of vehicle testing equipment, integrated test lane software, all associated IT hardware, licences and management information systems.

From BBC

At “Calibration,” a group exhibition in June at the LaiSun Keane gallery in Boston, Lee presented four 3D-printed pieces: three Chun meiping vases, which were popular forms during China’s Song dynasty, and one “Tetris”-inspired piece of cong pottery, based on a Chinese Bronze Age form.

From Los Angeles Times

Tacking on a new “super-exceptional” category might also help with its calibration.

From Los Angeles Times

The themed galas — so often a plot point in the series — included wildly costumed dancers and elaborate sets that required intense coordination with the production design team and a savvy calibration of color palettes to keep the characters distinct.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amount
• analysis
• appraisal
• assessment
• density
• dimension
• evaluation
• frequency
• height
• measure
• size
• survey
• weight