calipers

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.

noun

1. the usual US spelling of calliper

n.

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

n.

1. An instrument consisting essentially of two curved hinged legs, used to measure thickness and distances.

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