GAUGE


Meaning of GAUGE in English

I. noun

also gage ˈgāj

Etymology: Middle English gauge, from Anglo-French

Date: 15th century

1.

a. : a measurement (as of linear dimension) according to some standard or system: as

(1) : the distance between the rails of a railroad

(2) : the size of a shotgun barrel's inner diameter nominally expressed as the number of lead balls each just fitting that diameter required to make a pound

a 12- gauge shotgun

(3) : the thickness of a thin material (as sheet metal or plastic film)

(4) : the diameter of a slender object (as wire or a hypodermic needle)

(5) : the fineness of a knitted fabric expressed by the number of loops per unit width

b. : dimensions, size

c. : measure 1

surveys are a gauge of public sentiment

2. : an instrument for or a means of measuring or testing: as

a. : an instrument for measuring a dimension or for testing mechanical accuracy

b. : an instrument with a graduated scale or dial for measuring or indicating quantity

3. : relative position of a ship with reference to another ship and the wind

4. : a function introduced into a field equation to produce a convenient form of the equation but having no observable physical consequences

Synonyms: see standard

II. transitive verb

also gage

( gauged also gaged ; gaug·ing also gag·ing )

Date: 15th century

1.

a. : to measure precisely the size, dimensions, or other measurable quantity of

b. : to determine the capacity or contents of

c. : estimate , judge

hard to gauge his moods

2.

a. : to check for conformity to specifications or limits

b. : to measure off or set out

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.