caliber

[ kal-uh-ber ]
/ ˈkæl ə bər /

noun

the diameter of something of circular section, especially that of the inside of a tube: a pipe of three-inch caliber.
Ordnance. the diameter of the bore of a gun taken as a unit of measurement.
degree of capacity or competence; ability: a mathematician of high caliber.
degree of merit or excellence; quality: the high moral caliber of the era.
Also especially British, cal·i·bre.

Origin of caliber

1560–70; variant of calibre < Middle French ≪ Arabic qālib mold, last < Greek kālápous shoe last, equivalent to kāla- combining form of kâlon wood + poús foot (see -pod)

SYNONYMS FOR caliber

OTHER WORDS FROM caliber

cal·i·bered; especially British, cal·i·bred, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for calibre

British Dictionary definitions for calibre

calibre

US caliber

/ (ˈkælɪbə) /

noun

the diameter of a cylindrical body, esp the internal diameter of a tube or the bore of a firearm
the diameter of a shell or bullet
ability; distinction a musician of high calibre
personal character a man of high calibre

Derived forms of calibre

calibred or US calibered, adjective

Word Origin for calibre

C16: from Old French, from Italian calibro, from Arabic qālib shoemaker's last, mould

Medical definitions for calibre

caliber
[ kălə-bər ]

n.

The diameter of the inside of a round cylinder, such as a tube.