Calibre (disambiguation) facts for kids

Caliber (or calibre) is a word with several meanings, but it most often refers to the inside diameter of a gun barrel. Imagine looking down the barrel of a toy dart gun; the size of that opening is its caliber. This measurement helps describe the size of the bullets or projectiles that can be fired from that gun.

The word "caliber" comes from the French word calibre, which means "size" or "measure". It's used in many different fields, from science and technology to arts and even for names of products.

Science and Technology

Gun Barrels and Artillery

When talking about guns, caliber describes the exact width of the inside of the barrel. This measurement is super important because it tells you what size bullet or projectile will fit. Caliber is often measured in inches (like .22 caliber or .45 caliber) or in millimeters (like 9mm or 5.56mm). For example, a ".22 caliber" gun has a barrel that is 0.22 inches wide.

In artillery, which deals with large guns like cannons, caliber can also describe the length of the barrel compared to its diameter. So, a "50-caliber gun" might mean the barrel is 50 times longer than its diameter. This affects how far and fast a projectile can be fired.

Watches and Clocks

In the world of watches and clocks, caliber refers to a specific design or model of the clockwork movement inside. The "movement" is the engine of the watch, made up of all the tiny gears, springs, and parts that make it tick and keep time. Watchmakers use "caliber" to name and identify different types of these movements, often based on their size, features, or who made them. For example, a "Caliber 3135" might be a specific type of automatic movement made by a certain company.

Ebook Software

Calibre is also the name of a popular computer program that helps people manage and read digital books, called ebooks. It's like a library for your computer, where you can organize your ebooks, convert them into different formats, and even read them. It's a very useful tool for anyone who loves to read on their computer, tablet, or e-reader.

Arts, Entertainment, and Media

Music

Calibre is the stage name of Dominick Martin, a talented musician and producer from Northern Ireland. He is well-known for his electronic music, especially in the drum and bass genre. His music often features smooth, soulful sounds.

Film

Calibre is the title of a 2018 thriller film from Scotland. It's a suspenseful movie that tells the story of two friends on a hunting trip that goes terribly wrong.

Comics

The word "Caliber" has also appeared in the world of comic books. For example, there's a comic book publisher called Caliber Comics, which has released many different series. There are also characters named Caliber in various comic universes, including one from Azteca Publications and a supervillain in Marvel Comics who has faced off against the superhero team Alpha Flight.

Other Uses

The name "Caliber" has been used for various other products and designs:

• The Dodge Caliber was a model of car produced by the American car company Dodge. It was a compact car that was made from 2007 to 2012.
• The Caliber 40 is a design for a type of sailboat. It's a boat built for sailing on the ocean, known for its strong construction.
• Calibre is also the name of an Australian company that designs and sells menswear, offering stylish clothing for men.

See also

• Caliper, a tool used for measuring distances
• Kaliber (disambiguation)
• Opel Calibra, a car model from Opel