tune-up

[ toon-uhp, tyoon- ]

noun

1. an adjustment, as of a motor, to improve working order or condition:

   The car needs a tune-up badly.

2. Informal. a preparatory activity or warm-up, as before a contest or game:

   The track meet served as a tune-up for the Olympics.

tune up

verb

1. to adjust (a musical instrument) to a particular pitch, esp a standard one
2. (esp of an orchestra or other instrumental ensemble) to tune (instruments) to a common pitch
3. tr to adjust (an engine) in (a car, etc) to improve performance

noun

1. adjustments made to an engine to improve its performance

Word History and Origins

Origin of tune-up¹

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase tune up

Idioms and Phrases

Adjust machinery so it is in proper condition, as in I took the car in to be tuned up . [Early 1900s]