¹caliper

noun cal·i·per \ˈka-lə-pər\

: a tool that has two narrow legs which can be adjusted to measure the thickness or width of something

callipers : metal devices that are worn to support legs that have been weakened by injury or disease

Full Definition of CALIPER

a : any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used especially to measure diameter or thickness —usually used in plural <a pair of calipers>

b : a device for pressing a frictional material (as a brake pad) against the sides of a rotating wheel or disc

: thickness especially of paper, cardboard, or a tree

See caliper defined for English-language learners

See caliper defined for kids

Illustration of CALIPER

Origin of CALIPER

alteration of caliber

First Known Use: 1588

²caliper

verb

caliperedcaliper·ing \-p(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of CALIPER

transitive verb

: to measure by or as if by calipers

First Known Use of CALIPER

1876

CALIPER Defined for Kids

caliper

noun cal·i·per \ˈka-lə-pər\

Definition of CALIPER for Kids

: an instrument with two adjustable legs used to measure the thickness of objects or the distance between surfaces —usually used in pl. <a pair of calipers>