calibrate

verb

cal·​i·​brate ˈka-lə-ˌbrāt 

calibrated; calibrating

transitive verb

1

: to ascertain the caliber of (something)

2

: to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of (something, such as a thermometer tube)

3

: to standardize (something, such as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from a standard so as to ascertain the proper correction factors

4

: to adjust precisely for a particular function

calibrate a thermometer

5

: to measure precisely

carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine

especially : to measure against a standard

calibrator

ˈka-lə-ˌbrā-tər 

noun

Examples of calibrate in a Sentence

carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine

Recent Examples on the Web

Other major Western allies are also calibrating their own longer-term plans for Ukraine with an eye to November’s U.S. election. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024

Tap the Code button to create one-time and custom PIN codes, and tap the Functions button to adjust the speaker level, calibrate the lock, and configure auto lock times (between 5 seconds and 60 seconds). —PCMAG, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

caliber + -ate entry 4, perhaps after French calibrer

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

calibrate

verb

cal·​i·​brate ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt 

calibrated; calibrating

1

: to measure the caliber of

2

a

: to determine, correct, or put the measuring marks on (as a tire pressure gauge)

b

: make standard (as a measuring instrument) by finding out and correcting for the differences from an accepted or ideal value

calibration

ˌkal-ə-ˈbrā-shən

noun

Medical Definition

calibrate

transitive verb

cal·​i·​brate ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt 

calibrated; calibrating

1

: to ascertain the caliber of (as a thermometer tube)

2

: to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of (as a thermometer tube)

3

: to standardize (as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from a standard so as to ascertain the proper correction factors

calibration

ˌkal-ə-ˈbrā-shən 

noun

calibrator

ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt-ər 

noun