gauge: Meaning and Definition of

gauge

1. to determine the exact dimensions, capacity, quantity, or force of; measure.
2. to appraise, estimate, or judge.
3. to make conformable to a standard.
4. to mark or measure off; delineate.
5. to prepare or mix (plaster) with a definite proportion of plaster of Paris and mortar.
6. to chip or rub (bricks or stones) to a uniform size or shape.

1. a standard of measure or measurement.
2. a standard dimension, size, or quantity.
3. any device or instrument for measuring, registering measurements, or testing something, esp. for measuring a dimension, quantity, or mechanical accuracy: pressure gauge; marking gauge.
4. a means of estimating or judging; criterion; test.
5. extent; scope; capacity: trying to determine the gauge of his own strength.
6. a unit of measure of the internal diameter of a shotgun barrel, determined by the number of spherical lead bullets of a diameter equal to that of the bore that are required to make one pound: a twelve-gauge shotgun.
7. the distance between the inner edges of the heads of the rails in a track, usually 4 ft. 8.5 in. (1.4 m)but sometimes moreand sometimes less
8. the distance between a pair of wheels on an axle.
9. the thickness or diameter of various, usually thin, objects, as the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of a wire or screw.
10. the fineness of a knitted fabric as expressed in loops per every 1.5 in. (3.8 cm): 15 denier, 60 gauge stockings.
11. the position of one vessel as being to the windwardor to the leewardof another vessel on an approximately parallel course.
12. the portion of the length of a slate, tile, etc., left exposed when laid in place.
13. the amount of plaster of Paris mixed with mortar or common plaster to hasten the set.