Reg·u·late v. t. [imp. & p. p. Regulated p. pr. & vb. n. Regulating.]
1. To adjust by rule, method, or established mode; to direct by rule or restriction; to subject to governing principles or laws.
The laws which regulate the successions of the seasons.
The herdsmen near the frontier adjudicated their own disputes, and regulated their own police. --Bancroft.
2. To put in good order; as, to regulate the disordered state of a nation or its finances.
3. To adjust, or maintain, with respect to a desired rate, degree, or condition; as, to regulate the temperature of a room, the pressure of steam, the speed of a machine, etc.
To regulate a watch or To regulate a clock, to adjust its rate of running so that it will keep approximately standard time.
Syn: -- To adjust; dispose; methodize; arrange; direct; order; rule; govern.
◄ ►
regulated
adj 1: controlled or governed according to rule or principle or
law; "well regulated industries"; "houses with
regulated temperature" [ant: unregulated]
2: marked by system or regularity or discipline; "a quiet
ordered house"; "an orderly universe"; "a well regulated
life" [syn: ordered, orderly]