precision

[pri-sizh-uhn]

noun

1. the state or quality of being precise.

2. accuracy; exactness.

   to arrive at an estimate with precision.

   Synonyms: rigor

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.

6. Chemistry, Physics.,  the extent to which a given set of measurements of the same sample agree with their mean.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characterized by precision.

   precision swimming; precision instruments for aircraft.

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

Other Word Forms

• precisional adjective
• overprecision noun
• ultraprecision noun
• precisionism noun
• precisionist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of precision¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin praecīsiōn-, stem of praecīsiō “cutoff”; equivalent to precise + -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of precision¹

C17: from Latin praecīsiō a cutting off; see _precise

Example Sentences

By placing nanodiamonds into specially designed hybrid nanoantennas with extreme precision, the team achieved record photon collection at room temperature -- a necessary step for quantum technologies such as quantum sensors, and quantum-secured communications.

Read more on Science Daily

“You need a good amount of precision,” Holson observes, “but not too much precision.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It is also the nervous system on which the UK's armed forces increasingly depend – from navigation to precision strikes.

Read more on BBC

I’m a lover of all kinds of raw fish, but the precision and freshness here stood out in every bite.

Read more on Salon

The case in Stuttgart illustrates this ongoing emergency response in a developed country: Evacuations, civil protection, public outreach, interruptions to daily life — all orchestrated with logistical precision.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• rigor