caliper

noun

cal·i·per | \ˈka-lə-pər

Definition of caliper

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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 (such as a brake pad) against the sides of a rotating wheel or disc

2 : thickness especially of paper, cardboard, or a tree

caliper

verb

calipered; calipering\-p(ə-)riŋ \

Definition of caliper (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to measure by or as if by calipers

Examples of caliper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

But there were many weight-saving tricks applied, such as using advanced high strength steel in more than half of the structure with aluminum for the hood, tailgate, brake calipers and many suspension pieces. — Mark Maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Kia Niro PHEV: The future of plug-and-play," 13 July 2018 The GranLusso trim goes in a more luxurious direction, with ventilated front seats, wood trim, and black calipers. — Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, "Classic Maserati with a pinch of Chrysler: The Levante S GranSport, reviewed," 8 June 2018 For instance, Porsche wants lime green calipers for its hybrids. — Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, "Why your car brakes are suddenly a fashion statement," 1 May 2018 Brembo brakes all around have four-piston front calipers with 13.8-inch vented discs and 13.4 inches rear. — Mark Maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Kia Stinger GT: A switchblade of change," 19 Jan. 2018 The slack head tube and short wheelbase combine stability with agile turning, and the large brake discs and hydraulic calipers make scrubbing all that speed a breeze. — Ty Brookhart, Outside Online, "You're Going to Want the Cake Kalk E-Dirt Bike," 25 June 2018 Spotting a hybrid Panamera is very easy—just look for the acid green highlights on the badges or the brake calipers. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, "Porsche’s Panamera 4 E-Hybrid Sport Turismo is a heck of a hybrid," 16 May 2018 My regular mechanic told me the caliper was frozen. — Bob Weber, chicagotribune.com, "Rough road takes a toll on suspension and marriage," 6 Nov. 2017 And the brakes are gigantic, with 17.3-inch (440mm) diameter carbon ceramic rotors wrapped in ten-piston calipers in front, plus 14.6mm (370mm) rotors in the rear. — Jim Resnick, Ars Technica, "If you can’t beat them… Lamborghini joins the SUV set," 17 Jan. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Standard Tornado Red calipers signal to the 99.999999 percent that this is indeed the V-8 trim. — Tony Markovich, Car and Driver, "SUV-8: Bentley Bentayga Gets a 542-HP Twin-Turbo Eight-Cylinder," 12 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'caliper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

20 Aug 2018

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Time Traveler for caliper

The first known use of caliper was in 1581

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More Definitions for caliper

caliper

noun

cal·i·per | \ˈka-lə-pər

Kids Definition of caliper

: an instrument with two adjustable legs used to measure the thickness of objects or the distance between surfaces —usually used in pl. a pair of calipers

caliper

noun

cal·i·per

variants: or chiefly British calliper \ˈkal-ə-pər

Medical Definition of caliper

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used to measure thickness, diameter, and distance between surfaces —usually used in plural a pair of calipers

2 : caliper splint