caliper

noun cal·i·per \ ˈka-lə-pər \

|Updated on: 25 Jun 2018

Definition of caliper

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

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

See caliper defined for English-language learners

See caliper defined for kids

Recent Examples of caliper from the Web

The GranSport trim adds 20-inch aluminum wheels, massive red calipers, premium speaker system, a rear spoiler, black roof rails, and a leather sport steering wheel.

— eric bangeman, Ars Technica, "Classic Maserati with a pinch of Chrysler: The Levante S GranSport, reviewed," 8 June 2018
Other spots of color include Laurel Green brake calipers and door struts and satin Memphis Red and Vega Blue center-locking wheel nuts (the left side is red, the right side is blue).

— tony markovich, Car and Driver, "Just the Custom Work on this Carbon-Themed McLaren Senna Cost about $400K," 28 Feb. 2018
Braking is absolute from 14-inch vented front discs with four-piston calipers and vented 13-inch rear discs — and the force awakens when halting a speeding 5,000-pound LS hybrid.

— mark maynard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "2018 Lexus LS 500h: From flagship to starship," 2 Mar. 2018
Stopping power comes courtesy of AP Racing’s four-piston calipers and its two-piece J-hook discs at all four wheels.

— tony markovich, Car and Driver, "Lightweight Limbo: Lotus Applies Familiar Formula to Final 3-Eleven 430," 22 Feb. 2018
There’s moisture in that air, so the brake fluid has to absorb the moisture to keep water from rusting the brake lines, the master cylinder, the caliper pistons and your ABS (antilock braking system) components.

— ray magliozzi, courant.com, "CAR TALK: Time To Trade Out Old Reliable For New Subaru?," 25 May 2018
Minutes before the start of the race, Tom-Jelte Slagter is still fussing over his bicycle, adjusting the brake caliper on the rear wheel, searching for just the right setting.

— david wharton, latimes.com, "Set the pace, block wind, fetch water — these guys do everything but win," 16 May 2018
Standing on the tile floor, Donnie pants lightly as Dr. Abbey Sadowski, a veterinary resident who works with London at the hospital, kneels to measure his bump with metal calipers.

— amy sutherland, BostonGlobe.com, "An experimental cancer treatment cured this dog. Could it work for people?," 16 May 2018
The 15 October Glory maples of 3-inch caliper, and two magnolias of 10 to 12 feet, come with amendments, mulch, stakes and a one-year guarantee.

— david ibata, ajc, "Roswell OKs partnership to plant 17 trees," 16 May 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.

Illustration of caliper

Origin and Etymology of caliper

alteration of caliber

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1581

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

caliper

verb

Definition of caliper

calipered; calipering \-p(ə-)riŋ\

transitive verb

: to measure by or as if by calipers

Recent Examples of caliper from the Web

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

First Known Use of caliper

1793

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

CALIPER Defined for Kids

caliper

noun cal·i·per \ ˈka-lə-pər \

Definition of caliper for Students

: 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

Medical Dictionary

caliper

noun cal·i·per

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

medical Definition of caliper

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