caliper

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 plurala 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

Examples of caliper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Speaking of Brembos, their red caliper hats are another subtle giveaway that more capability lives under the skin. — Tribune News Service, cleveland, "Two motors are better than one for Tesla Model 3 Performance (auto review)," 23 Nov. 2019 In particular, ask them to check for a sticky caliper. — Ray Magliozzi, courant.com, "Car Talk: Neighbor revved up over Mustang owner’s late night habit," 20 Oct. 2019 The brake calipers were painted to show off Ford’s bright competition orange paint. — Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, "Vintage cars and hot rods shine in Pearland show," 25 Oct. 2019 The rear is a single 240mm disc with a single piston caliper. — Joe Michaud, San Diego Union-Tribune, "2019 KTM 790 Duke: a lightweight, midsize rocket of a bike," 25 Aug. 2019 The 20-inch Urano aluminum wheels were upgraded on the tester to black 21-inchers with black calipers, with Pirelli P Zero tires — 245/35 front, 285/30 rear. — Mark Maynard, San Diego Union-Tribune, "2019 Maserati Ghibli S Q4: from savior to the sidelines," 7 July 2019 Dealers will flush the brake fluid and replace the front brake calipers and brake lines at no cost to customers. — Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, "Ford recalls F-150, Explorer, Expedition for seats may detach in crash," 18 June 2019 The city estimates to have lost 15,600 caliper inches. — Hayat Norimine, Dallas News, "Dallas officials estimate the city's parks lost more than 600 trees in storm," 19 June 2019 Researchers have used scanners, photocopiers, calipers, rulers, and even x-ray machines to assess finger length; in some studies the subjects measured themselves. — Mitch Leslie, Science | AAAS, "Talk to the hand. Scientists try to debunk idea that finger length can reveal personality and health," 6 June 2019 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

10 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Caliper.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caliper. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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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