Word Study
calibre
CIDE DICTIONARY
calibre, n. [F. calibre, perh. fr. L. qualibra of what pound, of what weight; hence, of what size, applied first to a ball or bullet; cf. also Ar. qālib model, mold. Cf. Calipers, Calivere.].
- The diameter of the bore, as a cannon or other firearm, or of any tube; or the weight or size of the projectile which a firearm will carry; as, an 8 inch gun, a 12-pounder, a 44 caliber. [1913 Webster]" The caliber of firearms is expressed in various ways. Cannon are often designated by the weight of a solid spherical shot that will fit the bore; as, a 12-pounder; pieces of ordnance that project shell or hollow shot are designated by the diameter of their bore; as, a 12 inch mortar or a 14 inch shell gun; small arms are designated by hundredths of an inch expressed decimally; as, a rifle of .44 inch caliber." [1913 Webster]"The caliber of empty tubes." [1913 Webster]"A battery composed of three guns of small caliber." [1913 Webster]
- The diameter of round or cylindrical body, as of a bullet or column. [1913 Webster]
- Fig.: Capacity or compass of mind. Burke. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
calibre, n. (US caliber)
1 a the internal diameter of a gun or tube. b the diameter of a bullet or shell.
2 strength or quality of character; ability, importance (we need someone of your calibre).
1 a the internal diameter of a gun or tube. b the diameter of a bullet or shell.
2 strength or quality of character; ability, importance (we need someone of your calibre).
Derivative
calibred adj. (also in comb.).
Etymology
F calibre or It. calibro, f. Arab. kalib mould
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