calibrate, v.
(ˈkælɪbreɪt)
[f. calibre + -ate3: cf. F. calibrer.]
a. trans. To determine the calibre of; spec. to try the bore of a thermometer tube or similar instrument, so as to allow in graduating it for any irregularities: to graduate a gauge of any kind with allowance for its irregularities. b. To determine the correct position, value, capacity, etc., of; to set an instrument so that readings taken from it are absolute rather than relative; spec. to mark (a radio) with indications of the position of various wavelengths or stations. Also transf. Hence ˈcalibrated ppl. a., ˈcalibrating vbl. n. (usu. attrib.).
| 1864 in Webster. 1869 Roscoe Elem. Chem. 27 The [thermometer] tube must be calibrated, i.e. the irregularities in the bore must be determined and allowed for. 1870 Tyndall Heat x. App. 330, I give here the method of calibrating the galvanometer. 1881 Tait in Nature XXV. 128 The external gauge was accurately calibrated. 1897 Westm. Gaz. 14 Jan. 6/3 The tube was handed on to a calibrating machine, which accurately ‘shaped’ it. 1909 Installation News III. 95/1 A very accurately calibrated check meter. Ibid. 160 A complete Testing and Calibrating Plant. 1930 Daily Mail 4 Jan. 7/1 To get the [wireless] set to do its best it must be calibrated. 1959 Halas & Manvell Film Animation xix. 228 All scene movements which he has to calibrate in terms of camera and rostrum movements. 1960 M. Sharp Something Light viii. 74 Calibrating a cup of char with Rossy as one extreme, and tea at Gladstone Mansions as the other, tea with the Meares..came about halfway. |