reg·u·late [ réggyə làyt ](past and past participlereg·u·lat·ed, present participlereg·u·lat·ing, 3rd person present singularreg·u·lates)
transitive verb
Definition:
1. control something: to control something and bring it to the desired level, e.g. by adjusting the output of a machine or by imposing restrictions on the flow of something
2. adjust machinery or select output: to adjust a piece of machinery or a control device on it so that the machinery works correctly
3. make something regular: to cause something to occur at predictable intervals or in a regular way
4. control something by rules or laws: to organize and control an activity or process by making it subject to rules or laws
(
formal
)
Governments of socialist countries regulate their nations' economies.
[15th century. < late Latin regulat-, past participle of regulare< Latin regula (see regular)]
