calibration
gb/kˌæləbɹˈeɪʃən/ us/kˌæləbɹˈeɪʃən/
B2
Anglais
~ 8700
Sens
0 sens
Nom
technical
B2
action
1
adjusting instruments for accuracy
The process of testing and setting a tool or machine so that it shows correct measurements.
Schéma d’usage :
the calibration of [a device]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners sometimes confuse "calibration" with "calculation" because they look and sound similar. "Calibration" is about adjusting equipment for accuracy, while "calculation" is about doing math to find an answer.
Synonymes
adjustment (A more general word; it can mean any kind of change, not specifically to ensure measurement accuracy.)
Antonymes
misalignment (Suggests that a device is not set correctly, leading to inaccurate measurements, which calibration is meant to prevent or fix.)
Collocations
perform calibration
|calibration procedure
|calibration standard
|calibration data
|initial calibration
|regular calibration
Thèmes
science
|technology
|engineering
Exemples
- The lab requires annual calibration of all thermometers to maintain accuracy.
- After replacing the sensor, the technician ran a full calibration of the machine.
- Poor calibration of the scale led to incorrect dosing of the medication.
- We sent the pressure gauges out for professional calibration before the safety inspection.
Exemples pédagogiques
- The company does a calibration of its tools every year.
- This balance needs calibration before we can use it in the experiment.
- Good calibration is important if you want precise results.
Nom
formal
C1
action
2
careful adjustment of strategy or response
The careful setting or changing of a plan, message, or action so it is not too strong or too weak for the situation.
Schéma d’usage :
the calibration of [a policy / response / message]
Erreur fréquente :
Learners may think this sense of "calibration" is always about machines. In modern formal English, it is also often used for abstract things like policies, tone, and expectations, where it means careful adjustment to the right level.
Synonymes
fine-tuning (Less formal and slightly more conversational; widely used for adjusting plans, messages, or systems in small ways.)
Antonymes
overreaction (Describes a response that has not been properly calibrated and is too strong for the situation.)
Collocations
careful calibration
|political calibration
|fine calibration
|calibration of expectations
|calibration of response
|calibration of tone
Thèmes
business
|politics
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Exemples
- The success of the campaign depended on the careful calibration of its message to different audiences.
- Diplomacy often requires delicate calibration of language to avoid giving offense.
- The company is working on a new calibration of its pricing strategy to match customer expectations.
- His speech showed poor calibration of tone, sounding too casual for such a serious event.
Exemples pédagogiques
- Good leaders work on the calibration of their words and actions.
- The calibration of the reply was important, because the topic was very sensitive.
- They changed the calibration of their plan after they saw the first results.
Nom
technical
B2
state
3
state or settings of a device
The way a measuring tool is set after calibration, which decides how it shows numbers.
Schéma d’usage :
[a device]'s calibration
Synonymes
configuration (More general word for how something is set up; not limited to measurement accuracy.)
Antonymes
drift (In technical contexts, refers to the gradual change away from the correct calibration state over time.)
Collocations
factory calibration
|default calibration
|store the calibration
|lose its calibration
|calibration settings
|within calibration
Thèmes
science
|technology
Exemples
- The scale still has its original factory calibration.
- If the device is dropped, its calibration may be lost and it will need to be checked.
- Please save the current calibration before updating the firmware.
- Differences in calibration between the two machines caused inconsistent test results.
Exemples pédagogiques
- This thermometer’s calibration is not correct anymore.
- Do not change the calibration settings without permission.
- The camera keeps its calibration even when you turn it off.
Grammaire
Forme canonique
calibration
API
GB/kˌæləbɹˈeɪʃən/
US/kˌæləbɹˈeɪʃən/
Syllabes et accentuation
cal - ib - ra - tion (4 syllabes)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ra)
Formes du mot
Noun
- Base: calibration
- Plural: calibration, calibrations
Famille de mots
Forms
calibrations
noun
Core family
calibrate
verb C1
Related words
calibrator
noun
recalibrate
verb
recalibration
noun
Negative and opposite forms
miscalibrate
verb
miscalibration
noun
Expressions
calibration curve
1/kˌæləbɹˈeɪʃən kˈɚv/
fixed phrase
technical
graph relating readings to true values
A graph that shows how the numbers from a measuring tool match real, known values.
Exemples
- We used a calibration curve to convert the instrument signal into concentration.
- The accuracy of the results depends on the quality of the calibration curve.
in calibration
1/ˈɪn kˌæləbɹˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
properly adjusted and accurate
Set correctly, so that a measuring tool gives right numbers.
Exemples
- Before you start the test, make sure the instrument is in calibration.
- All laboratory balances must be in calibration at the time of use.
out of calibration
1/ˈaʊt əv kˌæləbɹˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
incorrectly adjusted and inaccurate
Not set correctly, so that a measuring tool gives wrong numbers.
Exemples
- The pressure gauge is out of calibration and needs to be checked.
- If the scale is out of calibration, all your measurements will be wrong.