01 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 indic…
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1.
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.
Phrases & compounds
Vernier calipers —
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.