gauge

The definition of gauge is a method of making an estimate or a guess about something, or is an actual device used to measure.

(noun)

An example of gauge is a head count of people at a rally to determine how many supporters the politican has.
An example of a gauge is a unit on your gas tank that lets you know how much gas is left.

See gauge in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a standard measure or scale of measurement
dimensions, capacity, thickness, etc.
any device for measuring something, as the thickness of wire, the dimensions of a machined part, the amount of liquid in a container, steam pressure, etc.
any means of estimating or judging
the distance between the rails of a rail track
the distance between parallel wheels at opposite ends of an axle
the size of a bore, esp. of a shotgun, expressed in terms of the number per pound of round lead balls of a diameter equal to that of the bore
the thickness of sheet metal, diameter of wire, etc.
1. a measure of the fineness of a knitted or crocheted fabric
2. the fineness of a machine-knitted fabric expressed in terms of the number of loops per 1 inches
Naut. the position of a ship in relation to another ship and the wind: a sailboat that has the weather gauge of another boat is to windward of it
Plastering the amount of plaster of Paris used with common plaster to hasten its setting

Origin: ME < NormFr: see the gauge

transitive verb gauged, gauging

to measure accurately by means of a gauge
to measure the size, amount, extent, or capacity of
to estimate; judge; appraise
to bring to correct gauge; make conform with a standard
Masonry to cut or rub (bricks or stone) to a desired shape
Plastering to mix (plaster) in the proportions required for a specified setting time

Origin: ME gaugen < NormFr gaugier, prob. < VL *gallicare < ?

Related Forms:

See gauge in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also gage

noun

a. A standard or scale of measurement.
b. A standard dimension, quantity, or capacity.
An instrument for measuring or testing.
A means of estimating or evaluating; a test: a gauge of character. See Synonyms at standard.
Nautical The position of a vessel in relation to another vessel and the wind.
a. The distance between the two rails of a railroad.
b. The distance between two wheels on an axle.
The interior diameter of a shotgun barrel as determined by the number of lead balls of a size exactly fitting the barrel that are required to make one pound. Often used in combination: a 12-gauge shotgun.
The amount of plaster of Paris combined with common plaster to speed setting of the mixture.
Thickness or diameter, as of sheet metal or wire.
The fineness of knitted cloth as determined by the number of loops per 1 ¹/₂ inches.