I. ˈkaləˌbrāt, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: caliber + -ate
1.
a. obsolete : to ascertain the caliber of (as a thermometer tube)
b. : to determine or mark the capacity or the graduations of or to rectify the graduations of (as a graduated measuring instrument)
c. : to standardize (as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from standard especially so as to ascertain the proper correction factors
2. : to determine by actual firing the corrections in range or elevation settings required to make (a piece of artillery) fire uniformly with a standard or reference piece
II. transitive verb
1. : to adjust precisely for a particular function
each airport's systems are calibrated at least every five months — J.N.Wilford
2. : to measure precisely ; especially : to measure against a standard