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Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (2)

1. French mathematician who described the vernier scale (1580-1637);
[syn: Vernier, Paul Vernier]

2. a small movable scale that slides along a main scale; the small scale is calibrated to indicate fractional divisions of the main scale;
[syn: vernier scale, vernier]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Vernier \Ver"ni*er\, n. [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. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

Vernier n 1: French mathematician who described the vernier scale (1580-1637) [syn: Vernier, Paul Vernier] 2: a small movable scale that slides along a main scale; the small scale is calibrated to indicate fractional divisions of the main scale [syn: vernier scale, vernier]