Jump to:

• vernier
  vernier

  noun

  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.
• Vernier
  Vernier

  noun

  Pierre 1580–1637, French mathematician and inventor.

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of vernier

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

Example Sentences

"In creating this piece, there were at least 20,000 back-and-forth exchanges between the algorithms and the creative team," said Gauthier Vernier of Obvious.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

The Red Roses started fast through tries by forwards Maud Muir and Alex Matthews before Gabrielle Vernier responded.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2024

“We are so happy to play a semifinal next week,” France captain Gabrielle Vernier said.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2022

“We're far away from people being in a mode where they're saying this is a distressed scenario,” said Michel Vernier, head of fixed income strategy at Barclays Private Bank.

From Reuters • Oct. 12, 2022

It is evident, therefore, that one of the divisions of the Vernier is equal to nine-tenths of one of those on the true scale.

From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Pag?, Victor Wilfred