regulate

[ reg-yuh-leyt ]
/ ˈrɛg yəˌleɪt /

verb (used with object), reg·u·lat·ed, reg·u·lat·ing.

to control or direct by a rule, principle, method, etc.: to regulate household expenses.
to adjust to some standard or requirement, as amount, degree, etc.: to regulate the temperature.
to adjust so as to ensure accuracy of operation: to regulate a watch.
to put in good order: to regulate the digestion.

Origin of regulate

First recorded in 1620–30, regulate is from the Late Latin word rēgulātus (past participle of rēgulāre). See regula, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM regulate

Example sentences from the Web for regulatory

British Dictionary definitions for regulatory

regulate
/ (ˈrɛɡjʊˌleɪt) /

verb (tr)

to adjust (the amount of heat, sound, etc, of something) as required; control
to adjust (an instrument or appliance) so that it operates correctly
to bring into conformity with a rule, principle, or usage

Derived forms of regulate

regulative or regulatory, adjective regulatively, adverb

Word Origin for regulate

C17: from Late Latin rēgulāre to control, from Latin rēgula a ruler

Medical definitions for regulatory

regulate
[ rĕgyə-lāt′ ]

v.

To control or direct according to rule, principle, or law.
To adjust to a particular specification or requirement.
To adjust a mechanism for accurate and proper functioning.
To put or maintain in order.

Other words from regulate

regu•la′tive null adj. regu•la′tor n.