verniers

One way to see this is to think about using verniers which will allow you to get one or two additional digits of correct readings, assuming the main lines and verniers are sufficiently accurate.

Karl and Hansen Condemn Poor USHCN Metadata « Climate Audit 2007

COLLINS: The maneuver can be flown without verniers.

CNN Transcript Jul 1, 2006 2006

COLLINS: Well, personally, for me, I trained to fly with the loss of verniers, so I would be prepared to go.

CNN Transcript Jul 1, 2006 2006

A short-statured Batinite crouched behind the tripod, his tentacles adjusting verniers on an instrument of some sort.

Analog Science Fiction and Fact 2004

He placed the moon and two planets in relation to them, set the precise Greenwich time and geographical locations on appropriate dim-glowing dials, and worked a pair of verniers tifi he had numbers corresponding to that Passover week of Anno Domini 33.

There Will Be Time Anderson, Poul, 1926-2001 1972

He placed the moon and two planets in relation to them, set the precise Greenwich time and geographical lo­cations on appropriate dim-glowing dials, and worked a pair of verniers till he had numbers corresponding to that Passover week of Anno Domini 33.

Two in Time Anderson, Poul 1970

The whistle of the jets faded, as the main thrust died and only the verniers continued to nudge Discovery gently into orbit.

2001 A Space Odyssey Clarke, Arthur C. 1968

The faithful verniers gave their last spurts of thrust, then closed down forever.

2001 A Space Odyssey Clarke, Arthur C. 1968

His broad, stubby-fingered hands were moving swiftly, twisting verniers, touching buttons, clicking keys.

Starchild Omnibus Pohl, Frederik & Williamson, Jack 1963

He began punching buttons for data and fiddling with set screws and verniers.

Space Viking Piper, H. Beam 1963