caliber
n.-
1 quality or ability (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate American Englishthe level of someone's ability or the quality of something.
the degree of excellence, capacity, or importance of a person or thing. Often used in professional or academic contexts to describe the standard of work or character.
ExampleThe company only hires people of the highest caliber.
ExampleThe university's reputation attracts researchers of a high caliber who are leaders in their respective scientific fields.
UsageOften follows the preposition 'of'.
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2 gun barrel size (n.) C1 Advanced American English Technical Technicalthe width of the inside of a gun or the size of a bullet.
the internal diameter of a firearm's bore or the diameter of a projectile. It is typically expressed in hundredths or thousandths of an inch or in millimetres.
ExampleHe bought a small caliber handgun for target practice at the range.
ExampleThe artillery piece was classified by its caliber, determining the specific type of shell required for effective operation during the exercise.
UsageUsually functions as a countable noun when referring to specific measurements.
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3 social standing (n.) C2 Proficiency American English Formal Archaica person's importance or position in society.
the degree of importance or station in society. This sense is less common in modern speech and often carries a more formal or literary tone.
ExampleIn the old days, a man of his caliber was expected to lead the town.
ExampleThe historical novel depicts a society where individuals were judged strictly by their social caliber and family lineage.