/kal"euh peuhr/ , n.
1. Usually, calipers . an instrument for measuring thicknesses and internal or external diameters inaccessible to a scale, consisting usually of a pair of adjustable pivoted legs.
2. any of various calibrated instruments for measuring thicknesses or distances between surfaces, usually having a screwed or sliding adjustable piece. Cf. vernier caliper .
3. thickness or depth, as of paper or a tree.
4. Usually, calipers . the pincers of an earwig.
5. Auto. the part of a disc-brake assembly that straddles the disc and presses the brake pads against it. See illus. under disc brake .
6. a similar part used with a hand brake on a bicycle.
v.t.
7. to measure with calipers.
v.i.
8. to use calipers.
Also, calliper .
[ 1580-90; presumably var. of CALIBER ]