Caliper
/ˈkæl.ɪ.pər/noun
A measuring instrument with two hinged legs used to measure thickness or distance.
Did you know?The word likely entered English through technical use tied to gunmaking, where a caliper was first associated with measuring the diameter of a cannon or firearm barrel.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
English
caliper
“A measuring device, especially for determining the diameter of a cylindrical object.”
16th Century
French
calibre
“The internal diameter of a gun barrel; by extension, a standard measure or size.”
16th Century
Italian
calibro
“The bore or diameter of a gun barrel; a standard of size.”
Arabic
Arabic
qālib
“A mold or pattern used for shaping something.”
Greek
Ancient Greek
kálapous
“A shoe-last or model for shaping footwear.”