<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Usually calipers.</li><li>an instrument for measuring thicknesses and internal or external diameters inaccessible to a scale, consisting usually of a pair of adjustable pivoted legs.</li><li>any of various calibrated instruments for measuring thicknesses or distances between surfaces, usually having a screwed or sliding adjustable piece.</li><li>Compare vernier caliper.</li><li>thickness or depth, as of paper or a tree.</li><li>Usually calipers.</li><li>the pincers of an earwig.</li><li>Automotive. the part of a disc-brake assembly that straddles the disc and presses the brake pads against it.</li><li>a similar part used with a hand brake on a bicycle.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to measure with calipers.</li><li>(used without object) to use calipers.</li></ul>