Caliber

Quick meaning: Caliber is a noun meaning Diameter of the bore of a firearm, typically measured between opposite lands.

Meaning

Diameter of the bore of a firearm, typically measured between opposite lands.

More Meanings

1. The diameter of round or cylindrical body, as of a bullet, a projectile, or a column.
2. (figuratively) Relative size, importance, magnitude.
3. (figuratively) Capacity or compass of mind.
4. (horology) Movement of a timepiece.
5. A nominal name for a cartridge type, which may not exactly indicate its true size and may include other measurements such as cartridge length or black powder capacity. Eg 7.62×39 or 38.40.
6. Unit of measure used to express the length of the bore of a weapon. The number of calibres is determined by dividing the length of the bore of the weapon, from the breech face of the tube to the muzzle, by the diameter of its bore. A gun tube the bore of which is 40 feet (480 inches) long and 12 inches in diameter is said to be 40 calibers long.
7. (dated) Degree of importance or station in society.

Example Sentences

A snort of about the calibre of an explosion in an ammunition dump escaped my late father's sister.

Word Forms

• calibers
• calibre

Synonyms for caliber

Depending on context, synonyms include quality, bore, calibre.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include calibre, quality, bore, gun, artillery, fire.

Related Dictionary Tools