caliber
Translation
calibre, quality, standard
Examples
This is a .22 caliber rifle.
This is a .22 calibre rifle.
She is a writer of the highest caliber.
She is a writer of the highest calibre.
Grammar Patterns
((...)) caliber ((noun)) (a certain) caliber (noun) This is a .22 caliber rifle.
of ((...)) caliber of (a certain) quality She is a writer of the highest caliber.
Similar Words
Synonyms: quality, standard, level, ability; For guns: bore, gauge
Etymology
From Arabic 'qālib' (a mould), via Old French 'calibre'. The sense evolved from a mould's size to a gun's bore size, then figuratively to a person's quality.
Memory Tips
Think of 'calibrating' an instrument to a high standard. This connects to the meaning of 'caliber' as a high level of quality or ability.