verb

calibrate

KAL-ih-brayt

Calibrate (verb) means to adjust an instrument or measurement so it matches a known, accurate standard. Example: “The technician calibrated the scale before weighing the samples.”

verb

To adjust an instrument or measurement so it matches a known, accurate standard.

"The technician calibrated the scale before weighing the samples."

"You should calibrate your thermostat once a year for accurate readings."

How to use calibrate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo fine-tune a device or measurement so it gives correct, reliable results.

Common pairings

calibrate an instrument calibrate a scale finely calibrated

Word forms

calibrated past tense, calibrates singular

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Fill the gap

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The technician _____ the scale before weighing the samples.

Etymology

From "caliber" plus the verb-forming suffix "-ate."

Synonyms

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graduate fine-tune

Related words

down graduate adjust undergraduate Grad learner refine tweak

Rhymes for calibrate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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Frequently asked questions

What does “calibrate” mean?

The word “calibrate” means to adjust an instrument or measurement so it matches a known, accurate standard. In plain terms, to fine-tune a device or measurement so it gives correct, reliable results.

How do you pronounce “calibrate”?

“Calibrate” is pronounced KAL-ih-brayt (/ˈkæl.ə.bɹeɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “calibrate” in a sentence?

Here is “calibrate” used in a sentence: “The technician calibrated the scale before weighing the samples.”

What part of speech is “calibrate”?

“Calibrate” is a verb.

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