I. noun
or cal·li·per ˈkaləpə(r)
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of caliber
1.
a. : a measuring instrument having two legs or jaws that can be adjusted to determine thickness, diameter, caliber, and distance between surfaces — usually used in plural and often with pair
a pair of calipers
— see hermaphrodite caliper , inside caliper , micrometer caliper , odd-leg caliper , outside caliper , vernier caliper
b. : an instrument consisting of a graduated beam and at right angles to it a fixed arm and a movable arm which slides along the beam to measure the diameter of logs and trees
c. : a watchmaker's tool with adjustable female center points for holding a wheel while it is being trued
d. : caliper splint
2. : thickness especially of paper, paperboard, or a tree — compare point 16e
II. transitive verb
or calliper “
( calipered or callipered ; calipered or callipered ; calipering or callipering -p(ə)riŋ ; calipers or callipers )
: to measure by or as if by calipers
III.
variant of caliber
IV. noun
: an assembly designed to press a frictional material (as a brake pad) against the sides of a rotating wheel or disk in some brake systems