Main Entry: cal·i·brate

Pronunciation: \ˈka-lə-ˌbrāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): cal·i·brat·ed; cal·i·brat·ing

Date: circa 1864

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
4 : to adjust precisely for a particular function
5 : to measure precisely; especially : to measure against a standard

— cal·i·bra·tor \-ˌbrā-tər\ noun