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

In the simplest terms, vernier acuity refers to the ability of the brain to process subtle differences in alignment detected in the eyes.

From Golf Digest

The lines, which are designed to assist putting accuracy, utilize vernier hyper acuity, the same visual technology used to land planes on aircraft carriers.

From Golf Digest

The model that the North tested included a cluster consisting of a main engine and four vernier thrusters — smaller engines used to adjust the craft’s velocity and stability.

From New York Times

In this instrument a considerable linear relative movement of the divided lens corresponds with a comparatively small separation of the double image, so that simple verniers reading to 1⁄1000 in. are sufficient for measurement.

From Project Gutenberg

The vernier, it will be observed, is a double one.

From Project Gutenberg