calibration
Setting accurate measurements
Calibration is the process of adjusting an instrument or system to ensure accurate measurements against a known standard.
A thermometer requires calibration to read temperatures correctly; a scale needs calibration to show true weight.
The term extends to any fine-tuning for precision: The recipe required careful calibration of spices.
In figurative use, calibration suggests thoughtful adjustment of approach or response: diplomatic calibration, emotional calibration.
Small precise optimization adjustments
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- correctionFixing of mistakes
- tweakingSlight adjustment process
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
regulation · configuration · setting · zeroing · balancing · trimming · compensation · offset
Degree of correctness
- exactnessCorrectness in every detail
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- errorFault in communication
- deviationDeparture from expected path
uncertainty · resolution · linearity · hysteresis · repeatability · reproducibility · drift · stability
Standard of measurement
- meterDevice that measures usage
- scaleMeasure of relative size
- instrumentationDesign of measuring devices
- sensorsDevices that detect input
readout · indicators · thermometer · barometer · spectrometer · multimeter · oscilloscope · reference standard
Directing attention elsewhere
- benchmarkStandard for comparison
- baselineStandard for comparison
- traceabilityVerifiable origin and path
- certificationAttestation of qualification
ISO · specifications · protocols · compliance · accreditation · quality control · verification · documentation
Proving something accurate
- testingExamining to evaluate
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- certificationAttestation of qualification
- documentationWritten proof or instructions
traceability · audit · compliance · quality assurance · cross-checking · confirmation · standards · reference materials
fine-tuning
Small precise optimization adjustments
- alignmentCorrect relative positioning
- correctionFixing of mistakes
- tweakingSlight adjustment process
optimization · regulation · configuration · setting · zeroing · balancing · trimming · compensation · offset · setpoint
accuracy
Degree of correctness
- exactnessCorrectness in every detail
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- errorFault in communication
deviation · uncertainty · resolution · linearity · hysteresis · repeatability · reproducibility · drift · stability · sensitivity
gauge
Standard of measurement
- meterDevice that measures usage
- scaleMeasure of relative size
- instrumentationDesign of measuring devices
sensors · readout · indicators · thermometer · barometer · spectrometer · multimeter · oscilloscope · reference standard · test equipment
reference
Directing attention elsewhere
- benchmarkStandard for comparison
- baselineStandard for comparison
- traceabilityVerifiable origin and path
certification · ISO · specifications · protocols · compliance · accreditation · quality control · verification · documentation · audit
verification
Proving something accurate
- testingExamining to evaluate
- inspectionFormal assessment of condition
- certificationAttestation of qualification
documentation · traceability · audit · compliance · quality assurance · cross-checking · confirmation · standards · reference materials
- measurementscales, gauging, balance, metering, gram
- science labbeaker, flask, microscope, test tube, lab coat
- adjustmentsadjustment, tweaks, adjust, shifts, fixes
- balanceequilibrium, balancing, harmony, stability, symmetry
- Device Setuppassword entry, time zone, software update, bluetooth pairing, backup restore
- factory workfactory worker, assembly, assembly line, welding, assembly worker
calibrationmiscalibration
Incorrect precision setting
inaccuracy · misalignment · error · deviation · drift
calibrationguesswork
Conclusions drawn without proof
winging it · eyeballing · wild guess · approximation · improvisation
calibrationmisalignment
Improper positioning relative to reference
detuning · maladjustment · disarray · disorder · desynchronization
- color calibrationAdjusting display accuracy
calibrating, recalibrating, recalibration, calibrations, miscalibration, miscalibrating