regulate

Definition of regulate

Etymology

< Latin regulatus, pp. of regulare ("to direct, rule, regulate") < regula ("rule"): see rule. Cf. regle, rail.

Pronunciation

• Audio (US) ^[?]

Verb

to regulate (third-person singular simple present regulates, present participle regulating, simple past and past participle regulated)

1. To dictate policy.
2. To control or direct according to rule, principle, or law.
3. To adjust to a particular specification or requirement: regulate temperature.
4. To adjust (a mechanism) for accurate and proper functioning.
5. To put or maintain in order: regulate one's eating habits.

Derived terms

• deregulate

Related terms

• rule
• ruler
• regulation
• regulator

External links

• regulate in Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• regulate in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911