vernier

[ vur-nee-er ]
/ ˈvɜr ni ər /

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

Definition for vernier (2 of 2)

Vernier
[ vur-nee-er; French ver-nyey ]
/ ˈvɜr ni ər; French vɛrˈnyeɪ /

noun

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

Example sentences from the Web for vernier

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

Word Origin for vernier

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

Scientific definitions for vernier

Vernier
[ vĕr-nyā ]
Pierre 1580-1637

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.