vernier

¹ American  

[vur-nee-er] / ˈvɜr ni ər /

noun

1. Also vernier scale a small, movable, graduated scale running parallel to the fixed graduated scale of a sextant, theodolite, barometer, etc., and used for measuring a fractional part of one of the divisions of the fixed scale.

2. Machinery. an auxiliary device for giving a piece of apparatus a higher adjustment accuracy.

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adjective

1. equipped with a vernier.

   a vernier barometer.

Vernier ² American  

[vur-nee-er, ver-nyey] / ˈvɜr ni ər, vɛrˈnyeɪ /

noun

1. Pierre 1580–1637, French mathematician and inventor.

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vernier British  

/ ˈvɜːnɪə /

noun

1. a small movable scale running parallel to the main graduated scale in certain measuring instruments, such as theodolites, used to obtain a fractional reading of one of the divisions on the main scale

2. an auxiliary device for making a fine adjustment to an instrument, usually by means of a fine screw thread

3. (modifier) relating to or fitted with a vernier

   a vernier scale

   a vernier barometer

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Vernier Scientific  

/ vĕr-nyā′ /

1. French mathematician and maker of scientific instruments, known especially for his invention of an auxiliary scale (named after him) used for obtaining a highly precise reading of a subdivision of an ordinary scale.

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Etymology

Origin of vernier

First recorded in 1760–70; named after P. Vernier

Example Sentences

The Hwasong-14 had only one nozzle, and it used four vernier engines to steer the missile.

From Washington Post • Nov. 30, 2017

If this kind of cutoff is not accurate enough, small vernier rockets can be used to give the proper amount of extra push.

From Time Magazine Archive

The final push came from eight small vernier rockets fired by radio command from Cape Canaveral to adjust the speed.

From Time Magazine Archive

On a signal from earth it fired its three vernier engines, rose ten feet from the surface and then landed again, eight feet from its original site.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is not desirable that the vernier should read nearer than one-hundredth of an inch.

From A Treatise on Meteorological Instruments Explanatory of Their Scientific Principles, Method of Construction, and Practical Utility by Negretti, Henry