Illustration of caliper
- caliper 1a
cal·i·per
ˈka-lə-pər 
1
a
: any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used especially to measure diameter or thickness
—usually used in plural
a pair of calipers
b
: a device for pressing a frictional material (such as a brake pad) against the sides of a rotating wheel or disc
2
: thickness especially of paper, cardboard, or a tree
Examples of caliper in a Sentence
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Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
When brake calipers are not used regularly, corrosion can cause the calipers to stick.
—Mark Maynard, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Tony Markovich, Car and Driver, 12 Jan. 2018
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Noun
Other upgrades include an even louder titanium exhaust, adjustable suspension, and bigger brake calipers.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
When brake calipers are not used regularly, corrosion can cause the calipers to stick.
—Mark Maynard, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
Standard Tornado Red calipers signal to the 99.999999 percent that this is indeed the V-8 trim.
—Tony Markovich, Car and Driver, 12 Jan. 2018
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Cite this Entry
“Caliper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caliper. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
caliper
1 of 2 noun
cal·i·per
variants
or chiefly British calliper
1
: any of various measuring instruments having two usually adjustable arms, legs, or jaws used to measure thickness, diameter, and distance between surfaces
—usually used in plural
a pair of calipers
2
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