caliber etymology

Etymology:

The word "caliber" originates from the Old French word "calibre," which was borrowed from the Arabic word "qālib" meaning "mold" or "form."

Meaning:

  • In firearms, caliber refers to the diameter of the bore of the barrel, typically measured in inches or millimeters.
  • More broadly, caliber can refer to the size or capacity of something, such as the power or quality of a weapon, engine, or person.

Origin:

The Arabic word "qālib" was used in the context of mold-making, as it referred to the form or shape that was created by the mold. In the 16th century, the word was borrowed into French as "calibre" and used to describe the diameter of cannon barrels.

Over time, the term "caliber" became associated with the diameter of the bore of any firearm, and it eventually expanded to encompass the broader meaning of size, capacity, or quality.

caliber relate terms

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