calibration
calibration — noun
1. the printed lines, numbers, or other marks on a measuring instrument that tell y
the printed lines, numbers, or other marks on a measuring instrument that tell you the value it is showing — for example, the tiny lines on a thermometer that indicate degrees of temperature
The glass thermometer had clear calibrations every two degrees between thirty and forty.
collocation: clear calibrations
Aiko checked the calibrations on the laboratory scale before weighing the powder.
collocation: check the calibrations
The ruler's calibrations were so small that Amara needed a magnifying glass to read them.
Without correct calibrations on its side, the syringe would be useless for measuring medicine.
- markings
a more general term; calibrations are markings with measured values
- graduations
a technical synonym mostly used for laboratory instruments
- scale
refers to the whole system of marks rather than individual lines
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form (calibrations) when referring to the actual markings. The singular is rare except in technical writing.
常見錯誤
2. the act of testing and adjusting a measuring instrument so that it gives correct
the act of testing and adjusting a measuring instrument so that it gives correct readings, often by comparing it against a known standard — for instance, setting a kitchen scale to zero before weighing flour
The laboratory technician performed a full calibration of the pH meter before the experiment began.
collocation: perform a calibration
Olu's blood pressure monitor needs calibration every six months to stay accurate.
collocation: needs calibration
During calibration, the temperature sensor was compared against a certified reference thermometer.
The oven's timer failed because its internal calibration had drifted over several years of use.
Without proper calibration, a car's speedometer can be wrong by several kilometres per hour.
- adjustment
a broader term; calibration is a specific kind of adjustment using a standard
- standardisation
a more formal term, often used in manufacturing and quality control
- tuning
used for devices that need fine adjustment, like radios or musical instruments
用法筆記
This is the most common sense of calibration. The noun can be either uncountable (calibration is required) or countable with an article (a calibration takes twenty minutes). Do not confuse with sense 1: sense 2 is about the action of checking, NOT the printed markings.