gauge (redirected from gauges)

gauge

In manufacturing and engineering, a device used to determine whether a dimension is larger or smaller than a reference standard. A snap gauge, for example, is formed like the letter C, with outer “go” and inner “not go” jaws, and is used to check diameters, lengths, and thicknesses. Screw-thread pitch gauges have triangular serrations spaced to correspond with various pitches, or numbers of threads per inch or per centimeter. Deviation-type or dial gauges indicate the amount by which an object deviates from the standard.

---

gauge, gage

1. a standard measurement, dimension, capacity, or quantity

2. any of various instruments for measuring a quantity

3. any of various devices used to check for conformity with a standard measurement

4. the thickness of sheet metal or the diameter of wire

5. the distance between the rails of a railway track: in Britain 4 ft. 8½ in. (1.435 m)

6. the distance between two wheels on the same axle of a vehicle, truck, etc.

7. Nautical the position of a vessel in relation to the wind and another vessel. One vessel may be windward (weather gauge) or leeward (lee gauge) of the other

8. a measure of the fineness of woven or knitted fabric, usually expressed as the number of needles used per inch

9. the width of motion-picture film or magnetic tape

10. (of a pressure measurement) measured on a pressure gauge that registers zero at atmospheric pressure; above or below atmospheric pressure

---

gauge [gāj]

(electromagnetism)

One of the family of possible choices for the electric scalar potential and magnetic vector potential, given the electric and magnetic fields.