Caliper vs. Calliper: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on October 20, 2023
"Caliper" and "calliper" refer to the same instrument used for measuring, but "caliper" is the American spelling, while "calliper" is the British version.
Difference Between Caliper and Calliper
"Caliper" and "calliper" essentially refer to the same tool or device, but the differentiation in their spellings arises due to regional variations. In American English, the preference is towards the spelling "caliper." This word denotes a device used primarily for measuring the distance between two opposite sides of an object. Conversely, in British English, the term "calliper" is more commonplace.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Delving deeper into their usage, one might come across the term "caliper" in American literature, manuals, and product descriptions. It signifies precision, especially in contexts like engineering, medicine, or automotive industries. On the other hand, someone reading a British manual or academic paper would likely encounter the term "calliper." The extra "l" might seem superfluous to an American audience, but it's standard in British contexts.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
In practical scenarios, whether one says "caliper" or "calliper," the instrument's function remains consistent. It can be a tool with two movable jaws, used in engineering for precise measurements, or it can refer to a component of a vehicle's braking system. The distinction isn't in their utility but in the orthographic choices based on regional language standards.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
In essence, "caliper" and "calliper" are linguistic variations of the same term, reminiscent of many other words that have slightly different spellings in American and British English, like "color" vs. "colour" or "center" vs. "centre."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Caliper vs. Calliper Comparison Chart
Meaning
Instrument for measuring or brake component
Instrument for measuring or brake component
Nolan
Sep 25, 2023
Example of Other Variants
"Color" in American English
"Colour" in British English
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Caliper vs. Calliper Definitions
◉Caliper
An instrument for gauging the thickness of a body.
The jeweler measured the gem's thickness using a caliper.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
◉Calliper
A device to assist in taking precise linear measurements.
In his toolkit, the artisan had a finely crafted calliper.
Olivia
Sep 25, 2023
◉Caliper
A device used to measure the distance between two opposite sides of an object.
He used a caliper to measure the diameter of the pipe.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Calliper
A component of a vehicle's disc braking system.
The car's braking was off due to a faulty calliper.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
◉Caliper
A component of a disc brake system in vehicles.
The mechanic said I needed new brake calipers for my car.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Calliper
An instrument with two adjustable legs used to measure thickness or diameter.
She took out her calliper to measure the thickness of the metal sheet.
Jonathan
Sep 25, 2023
◉Caliper
A tool used in medical contexts to measure body fat.
The fitness trainer used a caliper to assess the athlete's body fat percentage.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
◉Calliper
A tool that aids in determining the dimensions of an object.
With his calliper in hand, the craftsman ensured the accuracy of his work.
Elijah
Sep 25, 2023
◉Caliper
A tool with two legs, moving around a pivot, for taking internal or external measurements.
The engineer always kept a caliper handy for precise measurements.
Lucas
Sep 25, 2023
◉Caliper
often calipers An instrument having two legs that can pivot or slide relative to each other, used to measure thickness and distance.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Caliper
A large instrument having a fixed and a movable arm on a graduated stock, used for measuring the diameters of logs and similar objects.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Caliper
The assembly in certain bicycle brakes that forces the brake pads against the wheel rim.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Calliper
An instrument in medical examinations to gauge certain parameters.
The doctor used a calliper to measure the expansion of the patient's knee joint.
Kaitlyn
Sep 25, 2023
Caliper vs. Calliper Frequently Asked Questions
Are caliper and calliper interchangeable in usage?
Yes, but it's best to use the variant that aligns with the regional language standard.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
If I write "calliper" in an American paper, is it incorrect?
It's not inherently wrong, but "caliper" is the customary American spelling.
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
Which spelling is more common in American textbooks?
Caliper is the preferred spelling in American texts.
Muazma Batool
Sep 25, 2023
In which countries is the spelling "calliper" more prevalent?
Calliper is more common in the U.K. and other Commonwealth nations.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
Do both words have the same historical origins?
Yes, both terms trace back to the Latin word "caliper," meaning "to bite."
Leo
Sep 25, 2023
Does the difference in spelling affect the tool's operation?
No, the difference is purely orthographical and doesn't impact function.
William
Sep 25, 2023
Is it similar to the difference between "color" and "colour"?
Yes, it's a regional spelling variation just like "color" in American English and "colour" in British English.
Henry
Sep 25, 2023
Is there a difference in the function of a caliper and calliper?
No, they both refer to the same measuring instrument or brake component.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Do all dictionaries list both spellings?
Most comprehensive dictionaries will list both, indicating regional preferences.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Are there other words with such American and British spelling differences?
Yes, examples include "labor" (American) vs. "labour" (British) or "defense" (American) vs. "defence" (British).
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
