caliper

[kal-uh-per] /ˈkæl ə pər/
noun
1.
Usually, calipers. an instrument for measuring thicknesses and internal or external diameters inaccessible to a scale, consisting usually of a pair of adjustable pivoted legs.
2.
any of various calibrated instruments for measuring thicknesses or distances between surfaces, usually having a screwed or sliding adjustable piece.
Compare vernier caliper.
3.
thickness or depth, as of paper or a tree.
4.
Usually, calipers. the pincers of an earwig.
5.
Automotive. the part of a disc-brake assembly that straddles the disc and presses the brake pads against it.
6.
a similar part used with a hand brake on a bicycle.
verb (used with object)
7.
to measure with calipers.
verb (used without object)
8.
to use calipers.
Also, calliper.
Origin of caliper
1580-90; presumably variant of caliber
Examples from the web for caliper
  • Then comes the clever part: the top edge of the ruler flips back to leave the caliper-jaws exposed.
  • The arms ride along the side of the borehole as the caliper tool is pulled up the borehole.
  • Inside caliper the inside calipers are used to measure the internal size of an object.
  • Outside caliper outside calipers are used to measure the external size of an object.
  • A divider caliper is also used to measure a distance between two points on a map.
British Dictionary definitions for caliper

caliper

/ˈkælɪpə/
noun
1.
the usual US spelling of calliper

calliper

/ˈkælɪpə/
noun
1.
(often pl) Also called calliper compasses. an instrument for measuring internal or external dimensions, consisting of two steel legs hinged together
2.
(med) Also called calliper splint. a splint consisting of two metal rods with straps attached, for supporting or exerting tension on the leg
verb
3.
(transitive) to measure the dimensions of (an object) with callipers
Word Origin
C16: variant of calibre
Word Origin and History for caliper
n.

1620s, short for calliper compass (1580s), a device used to measure caliber (q.v.). Related: Calipers.

caliper in Medicine

caliper cal·i·per or cal·li·per (kāl'ə-pər)
n.
An instrument consisting essentially of two curved hinged legs, used to measure thickness and distances.

caliper in Science
caliper
  (kāl'ə-pər)   

An instrument consisting of two curved legs connected at a hinge, used to measure thickness and distance. Often used in the plural as calipers.