Meaning & use
vernier
Last updated
A small, sliding auxiliary scale used to measure fine subdivisions of the main scale on an instrument, allowing very precise readings.
See it in a sentence
The machinist used the vernier scale on the caliper to measure the part to within a fraction of a millimeter.
Old sextants often included a vernier scale for more accurate navigation readings.
A note on using this word
'Vernier' is named after French mathematician Pierre Vernier, who invented the scale in the 17th century; it's still used in tools like calipers and micrometers.
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