precision

American  

[pri-sizh-uhn] / prɪˈsɪʒ ən /

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.

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adjective

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

   precision swimming; precision instruments for aircraft.

precision British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of precision

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

Example Sentences

The method relies on mass spectrometry, a technology that allows scientists to detect and measure different molecules with high precision.

From Science Daily

It was the closest thing at the time to AI: a mission-critical technology capable of enabling smart, networked warfare and precision strikes.

From The Wall Street Journal

He’s a master of both Andersonian acting styles: the freewheeling scamp and the scoundrel who speaks with a sniper’s precision.

From Los Angeles Times

Observing that momentary disappearance allows scientists to calculate the asteroid's position, speed, and shape with remarkable precision.

From Science Daily

Light provided a way to control this process with precision.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• rigor