precision

1 of 2

noun

pre·​ci·​sion pri-ˈsi-zhən 

1

: the quality or state of being precise : exactness

2

a

: the degree of refinement with which an operation is performed or a measurement stated compare accuracy sense 2b

b

: the accuracy (as in binary or decimal places) with which a number can be represented usually expressed in terms of the number of computer words available for representation

double precision arithmetic permits the representation of an expression by two computer words

3

: relevance sense 2

precisionist

pri-ˈsi-zhə-nist 

-ˈsizh-nist

noun

precision

2 of 2

adjective

1

: adapted for extremely accurate measurement or operation

2

: held to low tolerance in manufacture

3

: marked by precision of execution

Did you know?

Many of us often use precision and accuracy as synonyms, but not scientists and engineers. For them, accuracy describes a particular measurement—that is, how close it is to the truth. But precision describes a measurement system—that is, how good it is at giving the same result every time it measures the same thing. This may be why even nonscientists now often speak of "precision instruments" for measuring, "precision landings" made by airplanes, "precision drilling" for natural gas, and so on.

Synonyms

Noun

• accuracy
• accurateness
• closeness
• delicacy
• exactitude
• exactness
• fineness
• nicety
• perfection
• preciseness
• rigor
• rigorousness
• ultraprecision
• veracity

Examples of precision in a Sentence

Noun

I admire the precision of her work.

the company that measures TV ratings prides itself on the precision of its calculations

Adjective

The airplane made a precision approach for landing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Even operations that military analysts laud for their technical sophistication have lacked the precision to avoid widespread harm to civilians. —Sarah E. Parkinson, Foreign Affairs, 11 Nov. 2024

If there’s enough to the role, there’s the precision of film acting. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

Adjective

Tracking foot traffic and transaction volume data — a pillar of any precision retail program — helps stores avoid over- and understaffing, ensuring associates are always on hand to help customers in need. —Bjoern Petersen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2022

And the composite in the aluminum-composite rear axle links was flexible enough to give the rear axle a disturbing springy, non-precision feel in some dynamic situations. —Gary Witzenburg, Car and Driver, 7 July 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing precision

• precision medicine

Kids Definition

precision

1 of 2 noun

pre·​ci·​sion pri-ˈsizh-ən 

: the quality or state of being precise : exactness, accuracy

precision

2 of 2 adjective

1

: designed for very accurate measurement or operation

a precision gauge

2

: marked by precision

precision drilling