Main Entry:

¹cal·i·per

Pronunciation:

\ˈka-lə-pər\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

alteration of caliber

Date:

1588

1 a: any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used especially to measure diameter or thickness —usually used in plural <a pair of calipers> b: a device for pressing a frictional material (as a brake pad) against the sides of a rotating wheel or disc2: thickness especially of paper, cardboard, or a tree

[caliper illustration]