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calibration

kal-ih-BRAY-shun /ˌkælɪˈbreɪʃən/

nounC1GRETOEFL

technicalscientific

The process of adjusting an instrument or process so that its output matches a known standard.

Calibration is the act of ensuring that your 'ruler' is actually as long as it says it is.

The story behind the word. The word 'caliber' originally referred to the internal diameter of a gun barrel. 'Calibration' became the process of measuring that diameter accurately. It eventually expanded to mean the adjustment of any measuring instrument.

Word relationships

adjustment: Adjustment is a general term; calibration is a specific adjustment against a known standard.

disarray: Disarray is a state of lack of order, whereas calibration is the height of order and precision.

Commonly confused with

standardization: Standardization is making things the same; calibration is making a tool accurate to a standard.

Word family

calibrate (verb): To mark a gauge or instrument with a standard scale of readings.

Collocations

annual calibration
calibration curve
recalibration

Idioms & expressions

moral calibration

Example sentences

"The scale requires weekly calibration to ensure that the measurements remain accurate." Science
"The monitor's color calibration was off, making the blues look slightly green." Technology

Memory hook

Think of a 'Caliber'—you are checking the 'caliber' of your tool to make sure it's high quality. Adjusting to the standard.

When not to use

Don't use 'calibration' for general 'fixing'; it specifically refers to the adjustment of measuring tools.

Fun facts

The James Webb Space Telescope required months of 'mirror calibration' after reaching its orbit.
In social science, 'calibration' refers to how well a person's confidence matches their actual knowledge.

Related words

benchmark, standard, tolerance

Explore more words

calibrate, standardized, quality control, standardize, observation, certification