calipers
Definition
- Noun (plural in form):
- Measuring instrument: "calipers" refer to a tool with two hinged legs, used to measure the thickness, diameter, or distance between two surfaces. It is commonly used in engineering, woodworking, and metalworking.
- Medical device: In medicine, "calipers" can also refer to a small instrument used to measure body parts, such as skin folds or bone dimensions.
Usage Examples
Engineering context:
- The mechanic used calipers to measure the diameter of the piston. (The tool with two legs measured the width precisely.)
- These calipers can measure objects up to 150 millimeters. (The instrument has a maximum measurement capacity.)
Medical context:
- The doctor used calipers to assess the patient's skinfold thickness. (A device for taking body measurements.)
Advanced Usage
"Vernier calipers": a type of calipers with a sliding scale for more precise readings.
- The machinist read the vernier calipers to get an accuracy of 0.01 millimeters. (A fine-scale measuring tool.)
"Digital calipers": calipers with an electronic display for easy reading.
- Digital calipers are faster to use than traditional analog ones. (Modern, electronic version of the tool.)
Variants and Related Words
Caliber (n): the internal diameter of a tube or gun barrel; also, the quality of something.
- The bullet's caliber matched the gun's barrel. (The measurement of the bore.)
Calibrate (v): to adjust or mark a measuring instrument with a standard scale.
- The technician will calibrate the calipers before use. (Set the tool to measure accurately.)
Synonyms
- Compass: a similar tool with two legs used for drawing circles or measuring distances (less common for precise measurement).
- Gauge: a general term for any instrument that measures or tests something.
Related Idioms
Phrasal Verbs