Word
caliper
US/ˈkæɫəpɝ/
UK/kˈælɪpɐ/
UK spelling · calliper
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small measuring tool with two arms that you close around something to check how thick, wide, or round it is.
n. a measuring instrument with two adjustable jaws or legs for determining thickness, diameter, or distance between surfaces. Often fitted with a sliding scale or digital display for precise readings.
Examples
“He uses a caliper to measure the bolt.”
“The mechanic uses a caliper to check the thickness of the brake disc before ordering parts.”
“The engineer tightened the caliper around the cylinder and noted a deviation of less than a tenth of a millimetre from the specification.”
Examples
simple
“He uses a caliper to measure the bolt.”
contextual
“The mechanic uses a caliper to check the thickness of the brake disc before ordering parts.”
complex
“The engineer tightened the caliper around the cylinder and noted a deviation of less than a tenth of a millimetre from the specification.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “caliper” in context.
Verb
01. calibrate caliper
“Calibrate the caliper before you start measuring.”
verb + noun
02. caliper measures
“This caliper measures to one hundredth of a millimetre.”
noun + verb
03. check with caliper
“Check the width of the part with a caliper.”
verb + prep + noun
04. close caliper
“Close the caliper gently around the marble.”
verb + noun
05. measure with caliper
“Measure the diameter with a caliper for better accuracy.”
verb + prep + noun
Adjective
06. dial caliper
“He checked the width of the pipe with a dial caliper.”
adj + noun
07. digital caliper
“She used a digital caliper to measure the thickness of the coin.”
adj + noun
08. inside caliper
“He used an inside caliper to check the inner width of the tube.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. jaw of caliper
“Make sure the jaw of the caliper is clean before use.”
noun + prep + noun
10. check the diameter with calipers
“Check the diameter with calipers before cutting the pipe.”
11. close the caliper around
“Close the caliper around the coin to measure its thickness.”
12. measure with a digital caliper
“Measure the screw with a digital caliper for an exact result.”
Usage
Often appears in the plural form 'calipers' when referring to the measuring instrument.
Etymology
Variant of caliber.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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