(calipers)an instrument for measuring external or internal dimensions, having two hinged legs resembling a pair of compasses and in-turned or out-turned points 测径规;双脚规;卡钳 ■(亦作 caliper rule)an instrument performing a similar function but having one linear component sliding along another, with two parallel jaws and a vernier scale 卡尺 ■(亦作 brake caliper)a motor-vehicle or bicycle brake consisting of two or more hinged components 制动卡盘
(亦作 caliper splint)a metal support for a person's leg 双角规形夹
语源
late 16th cent.: apparently an alteration of calibre