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

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

Name the use of the following: Gal vanometer, vernier, oscillograph, pantograph, micrometer, pyrometer.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

From Time Magazine Archive

They are surveying compasses made of walnut, having maple sighting bars and a silvered brass vernier set under the glass.

From Early American Scientific Instruments and Their Makers by Bedini, Silvio A.