calibrate
UK: ˈkæl.ɪ.breɪt | US: ˈkæl.ə.breɪt
vt. to mark or adjust the scale of a measuring instrument
vt. to standardize or correlate the measurements of
vt. to determine the correct range for (a weapon or artillery)
calibrate = calibre<standard measurement> + ate<verb suffix>
- calibre: From French calibre (measurement standard), originally from Arabic qālib (mold, model).
- ate: A verb-forming suffix in Latin-derived words, indicating action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Arabic qālib, meaning "mold" or "template," reflecting early standardization in manufacturing. Entering French as calibre, it came to denote the bore size of firearms—a critical measurement. The verb calibrate emerged in English (19th century) to describe precise adjustments, extending metaphorically to any standardization process.
The technician will calibrate the thermometer for accurate readings.
Scientists calibrate telescopes to observe distant galaxies.
The rifle must be calibrated before the competition.
This software helps calibrate screen colors for designers.
Engineers calibrated the sensors to detect minor vibrations.