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.
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regulating
n : the act of controlling or directing according to rule;
"fiscal regulations are in the hands of politicians"
[syn: regulation]