Vernier Scale (Noun)
Meaning
A small movable scale that slides along a main scale; the small scale is calibrated to indicate fractional divisions of the main scale.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The engineer used a vernier scale on her caliper to measure the diameter of the pipe to a precise fraction of a millimeter.
- The surveyor's theodolite had a vernier scale that allowed him to take precise readings of the angle between landmarks.
- A vernier scale was attached to the microscope's stage to help the biologist measure the exact dimensions of the cells she was studying.
- The machinist carefully read the vernier scale on his micrometer to ensure that the part was machined to the correct size.
- The student learned how to use a vernier scale on a slide caliper to take precise measurements in her physics lab.