Meaning and Origin
What does the name Caliber mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Caliber
User Submitted Origins
American
67%
English
28%
Spanish
6%
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
noun
Senses
- [Gunnery] The diameter of the bore, as a cannon or other firearm, or of any tube; or the weight or size of the projectile which a firearm will carry; as, an 8 inch gun, a 12-pounder, a 44 caliber ."The caliber of empty tubes." [Reid.]"A battery composed of three guns of small caliber." [Prescott.]
- The diameter of round or cylindrical body, as of a bullet or column.
- Fig.: Capacity or compass of mind.
Note: ☞ The caliber of firearms is expressed in various ways. Cannon are often designated by the weight of a solid spherical shot that will fit the bore; as, a 12-pounder; pieces of ordnance that project shell or hollow shot are designated by the diameter of their bore; as, a 12 inch mortar or a 14 inch shell gun; small arms are designated by hundredths of an inch expressed decimally; as, a rifle of .44 inch caliber.
Etymology: F. calibre, perh. fr. L. qualibra of what pound, of what weight; hence, of what size, applied first to a ball or bullet; cf. also Ar. qālib model, mold. Cf. Calipers Calivere
Other Dictionary Sources
- A degree or grade of excellence or worth ("an executive of low caliber")
- Diameter of a tube or gun barrel
Wiktionary
- (American spelling) Alternative form of calibre