ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌlāt, usu -ād.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Late Latin regulatus, past participle of regulare, from Latin regula straightedge, rule — more at rule
transitive verb
1. : to govern or direct according to rule
laws which regulate the succession of seasons
usually : to bring under the control of law or constituted authority : make regulations for or concerning
regulate the industries of a country
2.
a. : to reduce to order, method, or uniformity : regularize
regulate one's habits
b. obsolete : discipline
3. : to fix the time, amount, degree, or rate of (as by adjusting, rectifying)
regulate the pressure of a tire
also : to adjust so as to work accurately or regularly
regulate a clock
intransitive verb
: to make regulations