precision

[pri-sizh-uh n] /prɪˈsɪʒ ən/
noun
1.
the state or quality of being precise.
2.
accuracy; exactness:
to arrive at an estimate with precision.
3.
mechanical or scientific exactness:
a lens ground with precision.
4.
punctiliousness; strictness:
precision in one's business dealings.
5.
Mathematics. the degree to which the correctness of a quantity is expressed.
Compare accuracy (def 3).
6.
Chemistry, Physics. the extent to which a given set of measurements of the same sample agree with their mean.
Compare accuracy (def 2).
adjective
7.
of, pertaining to, or characterized by precision:
precision swimming; precision instruments for aircraft.
Origin
1630-40; < Latin praecīsiōn- (stem of praecīsiō) a cutting off. See precise, -ion
Related forms
precisional, adjective
overprecision, noun
ultraprecision, noun
Synonyms
2. preciseness, meticulousness, rigor.
Examples from the web for precision
  • One might object not on grounds of accuracy, but on grounds of precision.
  • Technically, Bach was a masterful composer who seemed to approach his art with the precision of a mathematician.
  • Such precision farming using satellite-based intelligence is in its infancy.
  • When that happens, triangulation allows the system to locate the original bolt with precision.
  • Though relatively brief, the novel has great depth, enhanced by Pittard's precision of language.
  • But the aristocrat of screws is the precision screw.
  • Controls turned, pushed and pulled with inviting precision and smoothness.
  • And if you don't mind me saying, this particular specimen appears to have been rolled with good precision.
  • Surgery is a love-affair with boldness and precision.
  • Here is a rugged, precision made scope to fit your every need.
British Dictionary definitions for precision

precision

/prɪˈsɪʒən/
noun
1.
the quality of being precise; accuracy
2.
(modifier) characterized by or having a high degree of exactness: precision grinding, a precision instrument
Derived Forms
precisionism, noun
precisionist, noun
Word Origin
C17: from Latin praecīsiō a cutting off; see precise
Word Origin and History for precision
n.

1630s, "a cutting off (mentally), abstraction," from French précision (16c.) and directly from Latin praecisionem (nominative praecisio) "a cutting off," noun of action from past participle stem of praecidere (see precise). Meaning "preciseness" is from 1740.

precision in Technology

mathematics
The number of decimal places to which a number is computed.
Compare accuracy.
(1998-04-19)