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

She has learned when to respond and when not; she knows the eccentricities and calibrations at play.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Life, with all its calibrations, turns on unpredictable things.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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