[kal-uh-per] 
| 1. | Usually, calipers. an instrument for measuring thicknesses and internal or external diameters inaccessible to a scale, consisting usually of a pair of adjustable pivoted legs. |
| 2. | any of various calibrated instruments for measuring thicknesses or distances between surfaces, usually having a screwed or sliding adjustable piece. Compare vernier caliper. |
| 3. | thickness or depth, as of paper or a tree. |
| 4. | Usually, calipers. the pincers of an earwig. |
| 5. | Automotive. the part of a disc-brake assembly that straddles the disc and presses the brake pads against it. |
| 6. | a similar part used with a hand brake on a bicycle. |
| 7. | to measure with calipers. |
| 8. | to use calipers. |
cal·i·per also cal·li·per (kāl'ə-pər)  (click for larger image in new window) n.
[Alteration of caliber.] cal'i·per v. |
| cal·li·per (kāl'ə-pər) n. Variant of caliper. |
caliper cal·i·per or cal·li·per (kāl'ə-pər)
n.
An instrument consisting essentially of two curved hinged legs, used to measure thickness and distances.
caliper (kāl'ə-pər) Pronunciation Key
(click for larger image in new window) An instrument consisting of two curved legs connected at a hinge, used to measure thickness and distance. Often used in the plural as calipers. |
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