vernier

[ vur-nee-er ]

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

adjective

equipped with a vernier: a vernier barometer.

Origin of vernier

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

Words Nearby vernier

Other definitions for Vernier (2 of 2)

Vernier

[ vur-nee-er; French ver-nyey ]

noun

Pierre [pyer], /pyɛr/, 1580–1637, French mathematician and inventor.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use vernier in a sentence

The inner vernier is then set to the right ascension of the object which it is desired to observe.
Photographs of Nebul and Clusters | James Edward Keeler
"I really don't know how I shall get through to-morrow," she had said to Madame vernier.
Parisians in the Country | Honore de Balzac
"Who mean to win our tricks," said vernier, long used to the ways of commercial travellers and to their periodical visits.
Parisians in the Country | Honore de Balzac
When Madame vernier heard the name of the lunatic she raised her head and looked at her husband.
Parisians in the Country | Honore de Balzac
Monsieur and Madame vernier played their part so well that Gaudissart had no suspicions, and straightway fell into the trap.
Parisians in the Country | Honore de Balzac

British Dictionary definitions for vernier

vernier

/ (ˈvɜːnɪə) /

noun

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

(modifier) relating to or fitted with a vernier: a vernier scale; a vernier barometer

Origin of vernier

C18: named after Paul Vernier (1580–1637), French mathematician, who described the scale

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for Vernier

Vernier

[ vĕr-nyā′ ]

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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