calibrate
verb
cal·i·brate
ˈka-lə-ˌbrāt 
calibrated; calibrating
1
: to ascertain the caliber of (something)
2
: to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of (something, such as a thermometer tube)
3
: to standardize (something, such as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from a standard so as to ascertain the proper correction factors
4
: to adjust precisely for a particular function
calibrate a thermometer
5
: to measure precisely
carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine
especially
: to measure against a standard
Examples of calibrate in a Sentence
carefully calibrate the dosage of a medicine
Recent Examples on the Web
If one looks northward to Canada, Canada calibrates those numeric limits according to market needs year to year.
—
Steve Inskeep, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
The lengthy orbital period will enable mission operators to conduct regular health checks, calibrate the propulsion system for critical maneuvers and begin payload science operations, according to Firefly.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
The ultrawide monitor is also factory color calibrated and curves at 1500R (which means a circle of the monitors placed edge to edge would have a 1,500mm radius).
—Zackery Cuevas, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025
The laser is used to ignite sodium atoms high in the atmosphere, which creates a focus point for astronomers to use to help calibrate telescopes' ability to see through atmospheric distortion.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for calibrate 
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Steve Inskeep, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025
The lengthy orbital period will enable mission operators to conduct regular health checks, calibrate the propulsion system for critical maneuvers and begin payload science operations, according to Firefly.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025
The ultrawide monitor is also factory color calibrated and curves at 1500R (which means a circle of the monitors placed edge to edge would have a 1,500mm radius).
—Zackery Cuevas, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025
The laser is used to ignite sodium atoms high in the atmosphere, which creates a focus point for astronomers to use to help calibrate telescopes' ability to see through atmospheric distortion.
—Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for calibrate
Dictionary Entries Near calibrate
Cite this Entry
“Calibrate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calibrate. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
calibrate
verb
cal·i·brate
ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt
calibrated; calibrating
1
: to measure the caliber of
2
a
: to determine, correct, or put the measuring marks on (as a tire pressure gauge)
b
: make standard (as a measuring instrument) by finding out and correcting for the differences from an accepted or ideal value
calibration
noun
ˌkal-ə-ˈbrā-shən
Medical Definition
calibrate
transitive verb
cal·i·brate
ˈkal-ə-ˌbrāt
calibrated; calibrating
1
: to ascertain the caliber of (as a thermometer tube)
2
: to determine, rectify, or mark the graduations of (as a thermometer tube)
3
: to standardize (as a measuring instrument) by determining the deviation from a standard so as to ascertain the proper correction factors
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