Caliber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
caliber
[หkรฆlษชbษr ]
Definition
measurement, quality
Caliber refers to the internal diameter or bore of a gun barrel. It is often expressed in millimeters or inches and indicates the size of the ammunition that the firearm can accommodate. Additionally, the term can denote the quality or degree of excellence of something. For example, a person might refer to someone as having a high caliber of character, indicating their exceptional qualities.
Synonyms
diameter, excellence, quality.
Examples of usage
- The rifle has a caliber of .308 inches.
- She is a writer of high caliber.
- He was recognized for his caliber in the field of engineering.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science & Measurement
- In firearms, caliber specifies the diameter of the gun barrel and the corresponding projectile, such as bullets.
- Precision in medical instruments often uses caliber to denote size, ensuring accurate measurements in diagnoses.
- In manufacturing, caliber determines the quality of materials, contributing to product safety and reliability.
Culture & Society
- In sports, the caliber of an athlete can denote their skill level and competition experience.
- The term is frequently used in job descriptions to attract people of a certain skill set, emphasizing the need for high standards.
- In the arts, an actorโs caliber may influence casting decisions based on their talent and previous work.
Pop Culture
- Movies often discuss the caliber of actors in a film, highlighting star power or acting prowess.
- The phrase 'high-caliber' is commonly seen in marketing to describe premium products or services, conveying excellence.
- In literature, authors might mention a character's caliber to illustrate their importance or skills within the story.
Origin of 'caliber'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin term 'calibra', meaning 'measuring line' or 'balance'.
- First used in English in the mid-19th century, originally relating to the diameter of a gun barrel.
- The word has evolved to encompass not just measurement, but also judgment of quality.
The term 'caliber' originated from the Latin word 'caliber', which means 'a measuring rod.' Over time, its usage evolved in the English language, particularly within the context of firearms in the 19th century, to specify the internal diameter of a firearm's barrel. The concept of 'caliber' was also broadened to encompass the quality or standard of measurement regarding various fields, including personal attributes and professional skills. As firearms technology advanced, the significance of caliber in determining ballistic performance and accuracy became paramount, leading to further adaptations of the term in other areas of assessment and evaluation.