Gauge definition | Dictionary.com

gauge

[geyj]

verb, gauged, gaug⋅ing, noun

–verb (used with object)

1.	to determine the exact dimensions, capacity, quantity, or force of; measure.

2.	to appraise, estimate, or judge.

3.	to make conformable to a standard.

4.	to mark or measure off; delineate.

5.	to prepare or mix (plaster) with a definite proportion of plaster of Paris and mortar.

6.	to chip or rub (bricks or stones) to a uniform size or shape.

–noun

7.	a standard of measure or measurement.

8.	a standard dimension, size, or quantity.

9.	any device or instrument for measuring, registering measurements, or testing something, esp. for measuring a dimension, quantity, or mechanical accuracy: pressure gauge; marking gauge.

10.	a means of estimating or judging; criterion; test.

11.	extent; scope; capacity: trying to determine the gauge of his own strength.

12.	Ordnance. a unit of measure of the internal diameter of a shotgun barrel, determined by the number of spherical lead bullets of a diameter equal to that of the bore that are required to make one pound: a twelve-gauge shotgun.

13.	Railroads. the distance between the inner edges of the heads of the rails in a track, usually 4 ft. 8.5 in. (1.4 m) (standard gauge), but sometimes more (broad gauge) and sometimes less (narrow gauge).

14.	the distance between a pair of wheels on an axle.

15.	the thickness or diameter of various, usually thin, objects, as the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of a wire or screw.

16.	the fineness of a knitted fabric as expressed in loops per every 1.5 in. (3.8 cm): 15 denier, 60 gauge stockings.

17.	Nautical. the position of one vessel as being to the windward (weather gauge) or to the leeward (lee gauge) of another vessel on an approximately parallel course.

18.	Building Trades. the portion of the length of a slate, tile, etc., left exposed when laid in place.

19.	the amount of plaster of Paris mixed with mortar or common plaster to hasten the set.

Also, especially in technical use, gage.

Origin:
1375–1425; late ME < ONF (F jauge) < Gmc

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
Cite This Source

Language Translation for : Gauge

Spanish:

medir, calibrar,

German:

messen,

Japanese:

測る

View 29 other languages »

Sponsored Links Gauges
Read Codes & Diagnose Problems Get The Perfect Tool For Your Car
www.ScanGauge.com

Gauge
Find Surf-Brand products at your core surf shop. Free Shipping!
Swell.com/Nixon-Girls-Watches

gauge also gage (gāj) Pronunciation Key
n.

1. A standard or scale of measurement.
2. A standard dimension, quantity, or capacity.
3. The distance between the two rails of a railroad.
4. The distance between two wheels on an axle.
An instrument for measuring or testing.
A means of estimating or evaluating; a test: a gauge of character. See Synonyms at standard.
Nautical The position of a vessel in relation to another vessel and the wind.
1. The distance between the two rails of a railroad.
2. The distance between two wheels on an axle.
The interior diameter of a shotgun barrel as determined by the number of lead balls of a size exactly fitting the barrel that are required to make one pound. Often used in combination: a 12-gauge shotgun.
The amount of plaster of Paris combined with common plaster to speed setting of the mixture.
Thickness or diameter, as of sheet metal or wire.
The fineness of knitted cloth as determined by the number of loops per 1 ¹/₂ inches.

tr.v. gauged also gaged, gaug·ing also gag·ing, gaug·es also gag·es

To measure precisely.
To determine the capacity, volume, or contents of.
To evaluate or judge: gauge a person's ability.
To adapt to a specified measurement.
To mix (plaster) in specific proportions.
To chip or rub (bricks or stones) to size.

[Middle English, from Old North French, gauging rod, of Germanic origin.]

gauge'a·ble adj.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source

gauge

1440, from Anglo-Fr. gauge (1357), from O.N.Fr. gauger, from gauge "gauging rod," perhaps from Frank. *galgo "rod, pole for measuring" (cf. O.N. gelgja "pole, perch," O.H.G. galgo, Eng. gallows).

gauge
noun
1.	a measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity such as the thickness of wire or the amount of rain etc.
2.	accepted or approved instance or example of a quantity or quality against which others are judged or measured or compared
3.	the distance between the rails of a railway or between the wheels of a train
4.	the thickness of wire
5.	diameter of a tube or gun barrel [syn: bore]
verb
1.	judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time); "I estimate this chicken to weigh three pounds" [syn: estimate]
2.	rub to a uniform size; "gauge bricks"
3.	determine the capacity, volume, or contents of by measurement and calculation; "gauge the wine barrels"
4.	measure precisely and against a standard; "the wire is gauged"
5.	adapt to a specified measurement; "gauge the instruments"
6.	mix in specific proportions; "gauge plaster"