regulate

[reg-yuh-leyt] /ˈrɛg yəˌleɪt/
verb (used with object), regulated, regulating.
1.
to control or direct by a rule, principle, method, etc.:
to regulate household expenses.
2.
to adjust to some standard or requirement, as amount, degree, etc.:
to regulate the temperature.
3.
to adjust so as to ensure accuracy of operation:
to regulate a watch.
4.
to put in good order:
to regulate the digestion.
Origin
1620-30; < Late Latin rēgulātus (past participle of rēgulāre). See regula, -ate1
Related forms
regulative
[reg-yuh-ley-tiv, -yuh-luh-tiv] /ˈrɛg yəˌleɪ tɪv, -yə lə tɪv/ (Show IPA), regulatory
[reg-yuh-luh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ˈrɛg yə ləˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/ (Show IPA), adjective
regulatively, adverb
antiregulatory, adjective
misregulate, verb (used with object), misregulated, misregulating.
nonregulated, adjective
nonregulative, adjective
nonregulatory, adjective
overregulate, verb, overregulated, overregulating.
preregulate, verb (used with object), preregulated, preregulating.
quasi-regulated, adjective
reregulate, verb (used with object), reregulated, reregulating.
unregulated, adjective
unregulative, adjective
unregulatory, adjective
well-regulated, adjective
Synonyms
1. rule, govern, manage, order, adjust, arrange, dispose, conduct. 2. set. 4. systematize.
Examples from the web for regulate
  • No, the kidneys help regulate blood pressure through hormonal means which manage salt and water balance in the blood.
  • There is likely to be an even bigger fight over the proposal to regulate financial derivative products.
  • It can regulate the amount of nicotine, and how it is marketed, but that is all.
  • The business cycle should not affect the choice to regulate.
  • Caffeine would be expected to have this effect on any animals that used these neurotransmitters to regulate their heartbeat.
  • Ceiling fans can help regulate indoor temperature, making it more comfortable with less energy in summer, winter or in between.
  • May help lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar.
  • It would consolidate federal agencies that regulate the country's securities and commodities futures markets.
  • The university's policy violates a state law that says only the legislature can regulate firearms, the appellate court ruled.
  • The public has more than one interest in the good governance of corporations and may regulate in favour of its interests.
British Dictionary definitions for regulate

regulate

/ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt/
verb (transitive)
1.
to adjust (the amount of heat, sound, etc, of something) as required; control
2.
to adjust (an instrument or appliance) so that it operates correctly
3.
to bring into conformity with a rule, principle, or usage
Derived Forms
regulative, regulatory, adjective
regulatively, adverb
Word Origin
C17: from Late Latin rēgulāre to control, from Latin rēgula a ruler
Word Origin and History for regulate
v.

early 15c., "adjust by rule, control," from Late Latin regulatus, past participle of regulare "to control by rule, direct," from Latin regula "rule" (see regular). Meaning "to govern by restriction" is from 1620s. Related: Regulated; regulating.

regulate in Medicine

regulate reg·u·late (rěg'yə-lāt')
v. reg·u·lat·ed, reg·u·lat·ing, reg·u·lates

  1. To control or direct according to rule, principle, or law.

  2. To adjust to a particular specification or requirement.

  3. To adjust a mechanism for accurate and proper functioning.

  4. To put or maintain in order.

reg'u·la'tive or reg'u·la·to'ry (-lə-tôr'ē) adj.
reg'u·la'tor n.