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caliper, measuring instrument that consists of two adjustable legs or jaws for measuring the dimensions of material parts. The calipers on the right side of the have an adjusting screw and nut and are known as spring calipers, while those on the left are an illustration of firm-joint calipers, which are held in place by friction at the joint. Outside calipers measure thicknesses and outside diameters of objects; inside calipers measure hole diameters and distances...