Thesaurus: vernier

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1. n. 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.
2. n. a small movable scale that slides along a main scale; the small scale is calibrated to indicate fractional divisions of the main scale
3. 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.
4. A short scale made to slide along the divisions of a graduatedinstrument, as the limb of a sextant, or the scale of a barometer,for indicating parts of divisions. It is so graduated that a certainconvenient number of its divisions are just equal to a certainnumber, either one less or one more, of the divisions of theinstrument, so that parts of a division are determined by observingwhat line on the vernier coincides with a line on the instrument.Vernier calipers, Vernier gauge, a gauge with a graduated bar and asliding jaw bearing a vernier, used for accurate measurements.-- Vernier compass, a surveyor's compass with a vernier for theaccurate adjustment of the zero point in accordance with magneticvariation.-- Vernier transit, a surveyor's transit instrument with a verniercompass.
5. n:100 n. French mathematician who described the vernier scale (1580-1637)