caliper
Pronunciation: /ˈkalɪpə/
(also calliper)
noun
- 1 (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.
- (also caliper rule) a measuring instrument having one linear component sliding along another, with two parallel jaws and a vernier scale.
- (also brake caliper) a motor-vehicle or bicycle brake consisting of two or more hinged components.
Origin:
late 16th century: apparently an alteration of calibre