calibrate Definition
- 1to mark units of measurement on an instrument such as a thermometer, or to measure accurately with such an instrument
- 2to adjust or standardize (a measuring instrument) by comparing it with an accepted model
- 3to adjust or adapt to a particular purpose or situation
Using calibrate: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "calibrate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The scales need to be calibrated before they can be used.
Example
The equipment was calibrated to measure temperature accurately.
Example
We need to calibrate our expectations to the reality of the situation.
calibrate Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with calibrate
self-calibrating
able to adjust itself automatically
Example
The machine is self-calibrating, so it doesn't require manual adjustments.
Example
The software is designed to calibrate to the user's preferences.
Example
As a teacher, it's important to calibrate your language to the level of your students.
Origins of calibrate
from Late Latin 'calibro', meaning 'ruler, gauge'
Summary: calibrate in Brief
'Calibrate' [ˈkælɪbreɪt] means to mark units of measurement on an instrument or to measure accurately with such an instrument. It also means to adjust or standardize a measuring instrument by comparing it with an accepted model, or to adjust or adapt to a particular purpose or situation. Examples include 'The scales need to be calibrated before they can be used.' and 'We need to calibrate our expectations to the reality of the situation.' Phrases include 'self-calibrating,' 'calibrate to,' and 'calibrate one's language.'