vernier Hear it!

vernier definition

ver·nier (vʉr′nē ər, -nir)

noun

  1. a short graduated scale that slides along a longer graduated instrument and is used to indicate fractional parts of divisions, as in a micrometer
    also vernier scale
  2. any device that makes possible a finer setting of a tool or measuring instrument

Etymology: after Pierre Vernier (1580-1637), Fr mathematician who invented it

adjective

of or fitted with a vernier

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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