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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishTo fine-tune a device or measurement so it gives correct, reliable results.
Common pairings
calibrate an instrument
calibrate a scale
finely calibrated
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- calibrates
- Past tense
- calibrated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The technician _____ the scale before weighing the samples.
Etymology
From "caliber" plus the verb-forming suffix "-ate."
Synonyms
View more →
graduate
fine-tune
Related words
Rhymes for calibrate
See all rhymes for calibrate →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.
