— regulative /reg"yeuh lay'tiv, -yeuh leuh tiv/ , regulatory /reg"yeuh leuh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee/ , adj. — regulatively , adv.
/reg"yeuh layt'/ , v.t., regulated, regulating .
1. to control or direct by a rule, principle, method, etc.: to regulate household expenses.
2. to adjust to some standard or requirement, as amount, degree, etc.: to regulate the temperature.
3. to adjust so as to ensure accuracy of operation: to regulate a watch.
4. to put in good order: to regulate the digestion.
[ 1620-30; regulatus (ptp. of regulare ). See REGULA, -ATE 1 ]
Syn. 1. rule, govern, manage, order, adjust, arrange, dispose, conduct. 2. set. 4. systematize.