Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Vernier
Ver′ni-er
,Noun.
[So named after the inventor, Pierre
Vernier
.] A short scale made to slide along the divisions of a graduated instrument, as the limb of a sextant, or the scale of a barometer, for indicating parts of divisions. It is so graduated that a certain convenient number of its divisions are just equal to a certain number, either one less or one more, of the divisions of the instrument, so that parts of a division are determined by observing what line on the vernier coincides with a line on the instrument.
Vernier calipers
, Vernier gauge
a gauge with a graduated bar and a sliding jaw bearing a vernier, used for accurate measurements.
– Vernier compass
, a surveyor’s compass with a vernier for the accurate adjustment of the zero point in accordance with magnetic variation.
– Vernier transit
, a surveyor's transit instrument with a vernier compass.
Webster 1828 Edition
Vernier
VER'NIER
,Noun.
Definition 2024
vernier
vernier
English
Noun
vernier (plural verniers)
- A secondary scale with finer graduations than the primary scale of a measuring device; the vernier measures between graduations of the larger scale.
- A secondary control input with finer control than the primary, or coarse, input; for example the vernier frequency tuning knob on a radio.
- (physics) A secondary system of force application for the attitude control of a spacecraft; for example a vernier thruster.