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vernier
verniernounAlso 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.
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Vernier
VerniernounPierre 1580–1637, French mathematician and inventor.
vernier
1 Americannoun
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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.
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Machinery. an auxiliary device for giving a piece of apparatus a higher adjustment accuracy.
adjective
noun
noun
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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
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an auxiliary device for making a fine adjustment to an instrument, usually by means of a fine screw thread
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(modifier) relating to or fitted with a vernier
a vernier scale
a vernier barometer
Etymology
Origin of vernier
First recorded in 1760–70; named after P. Vernier
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The Hwasong-14 had only one nozzle, and it used four vernier engines to steer the missile.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 30, 2017
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
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These course corrections were made by controllable vernier rockets and slight changes of the direction in the thrust of the main engine.
From Time Magazine Archive
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They were, Small vernier rockets near each of the craft's three legs fired to stabilize the spacecraft in a base-down attitude.
From Time Magazine Archive
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A cheap instrument has an open face and plain frame, with sliding vernier instead of rack-and-pinion motion.
From A Treatise on Meteorological Instruments Explanatory of Their Scientific Principles, Method of Construction, and Practical Utility by Henry Negretti
"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
France had the final say when prop Rose Bernadou crashed over after Gabrielle Vernier broke the line.
From BBC ● Apr. 23, 2023
“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
When fine work is necessary a Vernier is employed.
From Aviation Engines Design?Construction?Operation and Repair by Victor Wilfred Pag?
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