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• 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.

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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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

Their hopes buoyed, scientists at Pasadena's Jet Propulsion Laboratory planned a minor mid-course correction and ordered Surveyor's three small vernier engines to fire briefly.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

Tube with concave mirror on stand, graduated scale with vernier and lens for reading one-tenth of a degree of rotation.

From Microscopes and Accessory Apparatus Catalogue No. 40 by Leitz, Ernst