Definition of gauge

The word "gauge" originated in the mid-16th century from the Old French word "gager," which referred to a measuring iron used for weaving textiles. The usage of "gauge" then evolved to refer to the thickness or size of thread or wire in weaving or wire drawing processes. In the 17th century, "gauge" also came to mean a measuring tool, particularly in the context of shipbuilding. In this context, it referred to the depth and width of the hull's frame as well as the distance between the floor and the ceiling of the hold. The term "gauge" later became common in mechanical engineering, where it refers to the size or measurement of various components, such as the threaded holes on machine parts, the diameter of piping, or the depth of material in automotive fuel tanks. Today, "gauge" continues to be used in various fields of engineering, manufacturing, and science, and even in common English as a measure of the thickness of clothes, hair, or liquids.