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\ ˈka-lə-p(ə-)riŋ

Definition of caliper (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to measure by or as if by calipers

Example Sentences Phrases Containing caliper Learn More About caliper

Examples of caliper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Use the flashlight to inspect the inside of the caliper. — Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 3 June 2020 Carefully press each pad back into the caliper body to re-seat the pistons. — Joe Lindsey, Outside Online, 3 June 2020 Tesla is recalling just under 6000 Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers for loose brake caliper bolts that might disassemble and cause low tire pressures. — Connor Hoffman, Car and Driver, 3 June 2021 Smith says his team soon found that using a hand caliper to measure the seam height of soft cotton wasn’t precise enough. — Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, 12 Apr. 2022 The grant will include the installation of 400, one-gallon container native shrubs and plants; 300, three-gallon container native shrubs and plants; and 15, one-and-a-half-inch caliper trees. — cleveland, 18 Mar. 2022 Johnson and Thomas are coming off all-conference caliper-type seasons, so replacing them won’t be easy. — Matt Murschel, orlandosentinel.com, 25 Feb. 2022 A single 300mm front brake disc is backed up by another 300mm rotor out back, with the front getting four pucks in the caliper and the rear just two. — Bill Roberson, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2021 Chevrolet also now offers more customization options than before, in terms of interior, brake-caliper paint, and, yes, even seatbelt colors. — Dave Vanderwerp, Car and Driver, 17 Nov. 2021 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, 12 Jan. 2018 See More

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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Dictionary Entries Near caliper

calipee

caliper

caliper compass

Statistics for caliper

Last Updated

9 Jun 2022

Cite this Entry

“Caliper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caliper. Accessed 1 Jul. 2022.

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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

caliper

transitive verb

variants: or chiefly British calliper

calipered; calipering\ -p(ə-)riŋ

Medical Definition of caliper (Entry 2 of 2)

: to measure by or as if by calipers