calibrate

verb

cal·​i·​brate ˈka-lə-ˌbrāt How to pronounce calibrate (audio)
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 noun

Examples of calibrate in a Sentence

carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine
Recent Examples on the Web Firm warnings, calibrated arms deliveries to Ukraine staving off major Russian gains, and a reliance on a mutual interest with Mr. Putin to avert a head-on conflict? Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024 Get The Whole Team On The Same Page Having done several acquisitions, the most important part of a takeover within the first 24 to 48 hours is getting the team calibrated and onboarded with you as a buyer and your vision for the company. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 In both scenarios, a person’s scores will be calibrated based on the questions’ difficulty. USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2024 Yet Shanley, having attended church schools in the Bronx, has calibrated the play’s arguments, and the timing of its revelations, like a fine watch he's studied for years. Jesse Green, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 His singing is expertly calibrated to achieve maximum impact, without a hint of the overwrought delivery that can make too many stadium concerts exercises in empty histrionics. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2024 To Feature Game Changing Super Fast Upgrade New Leak Claims Every detail of your stay is carefully calibrated, from the welcoming cup of Arabic coffee and butler assigned to you upon arrival to the (at-minimum) 600-thread-count sheets that envelop you at night. Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The two-time Oscar winner calibrates Sharon’s spirited perseverance, as well as her susceptibility to angst and sorrow. Courtney Howard, Variety, 20 Feb. 2024 Also perfectly calibrated are the design elements, including the dramatic lighting (by Amith Chandrashaker), the unnerving sound (by Christopher Darbassie) and the seething music (by Grace McLean). Jesse Green, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calibrate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

caliber + -ate entry 4, perhaps after French calibrer

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of calibrate was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near calibrate

Cite this Entry

“Calibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calibrate. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

calibrate

verb
cal·​i·​brate ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt How to pronounce calibrate (audio)
calibrated; calibrating
1
: to measure the caliber of
2
a
: to determine, correct, or put the measuring marks on (as a thermometer tube)
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 How to pronounce calibrate (audio)
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 noun
calibrator noun

More from Merriam-Webster on calibrate

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