calipers
English
WOTD – 5 August 2009
![](Images/wiktionary/OutsideCalipers.jpg.webp)
Calipers
Alternative forms
- callipers
Etymology
A corruption of caliber.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈkæl.ɪ.pəz/
- (US) IPA(key): /ˈkæl.ɨ.pɚz/
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun
calipers pl (plural only)
- A device used to measure thickness between two surfaces, especially for small or precise measurements.
- 1902, Joseph Conrad, chapter I, in Heart of Darkness:
- "Good, good for there," he mumbled, and then with a certain eagerness asked me whether I would let him measure my head. Rather surprised, I said Yes, when he produced a thing like calipers and got the dimensions back and front and every way, taking notes carefully.
-
- (Britain) A metal (orthopedic) leg support.
- Synonym: leg braces (US)
Related terms
- caliber, calibre
- vernier caliper
Translations
device used to measure thickness between two surfaces
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See also
- compass
Anagrams
- earclips, replicas, spiracle