Regulate \Reg"u*late\ (-l[=a]t), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Regulated (-l[=a]`t[e^]d); p. pr. & vb. n. Regulating.]

[L. regulatus, p. p. of regulare, fr. regula. See Regular.]

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. --Macaulay.

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 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)