CALIPER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does caliper mean? 

• CALIPER (noun)
  The noun CALIPER has 1 sense:

1. an instrument for measuring the distance between two points (often used in the plural)

  Familiarity information: CALIPER used as a noun is very rare.

• CALIPER (verb)
  The verb CALIPER has 1 sense:

1. measure the diameter of something with calipers

  Familiarity information: CALIPER used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CALIPER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An instrument for measuring the distance between two points (often used in the plural)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

caliper; calliper

Hypernyms ("caliper" is a kind of...):

measuring device; measuring instrument; measuring system (instrument that shows the extent or amount or quantity or degree of something)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "caliper"):

inside caliper (caliper for measuring inside dimensions (the size of a cavity or hole); points on its legs curve outward)

micrometer; micrometer caliper; micrometer gauge (caliper for measuring small distances)

odd-leg caliper (caliper having the points on its legs both curve in the same direction)

outside caliper (caliper for measuring outside dimensions; points on its legs curve inward)

vernier caliper; vernier micrometer (a caliper with a vernier scale for very fine measurements)

Derivation:

caliper (measure the diameter of something with calipers)

• CALIPER (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they caliper    ... he / she / it calipers   
Past simple: calipered   
Past participle: calipered   
-ing form: calipering   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Measure the diameter of something with calipers

Classified under:

Verbs of thinking, judging, analyzing, doubting

Synonyms:

caliper; calliper

Hypernyms (to "caliper" is one way to...):

measure; measure out; mensurate (determine the measurements of something or somebody, take measurements of)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Derivation:

caliper (an instrument for measuring the distance between two points (often used in the plural))

 Context examples 

An ultrasonic examination of the fetus to confirm gestational age by assessing and measuring for the clear space at the back of the fetal neck using external calipers.

(Nuchal Translucency Screen, NCI Thesaurus)

This measurement may be taken with a knemometer or calipers.

(Knee to Heel Length Measurement, NCI Thesaurus)

A measurement for determining the subcutaneous fat layer thickness whereby a pinch of skin approximately five centimeters to the right of the umbilicus is measured using calipers.

(Abdominal Skinfold Thickness, NCI Thesaurus)

Nor could they tell the difference between one or two small ends of a caliper pressed firmly against their palms.

(“Sixth sense” may be more than just a feeling, NIH)