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

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

From BBC

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

From 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.

From Salon

The government recently announced plans for an "integrated layered air defence", along with investment in long-range precision weapons to hit enemy territory.

From BBC

He paired it with a trademark splitter that was also commanded with more precision than at any point in his initial MLB stint.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rigor