vernier

[ vur-nee-er ]

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.

Origin of vernier

1
First recorded in 1760–70; named after P. Vernier

Other definitions for Vernier (2 of 2)

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

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

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How to use vernier in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for vernier

vernier

/ (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

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

Origin of vernier

1
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 ]


  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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