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. 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

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

   a precision instrument

   precision grinding

Derived Forms

• preˈcisionist, noun
• preˈcisionism, noun

Other Words From

• pre·cision·al adjective
• over·pre·cision noun
• ultra·pre·cision 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

In quantum electrodynamics, making predictions involves calculating to a certain level of precision, leaving out terms that are less significant and more difficult to calculate.

From Science News

This imposes a ceiling on predictive precision — and on how well physicists can understand what quantum theory says.

From Quanta Magazine

It’s a very small effect, but gravitational waves have been observed with such high precision that we can already say that the graviton mass must be less than 10−21 electron volts.

From Quanta Magazine

As technology tracks and analyzes our behaviors and lifestyles with ever more precision—sometimes with our knowledge and sometimes without—the opportunities for others to remotely monitor our mental state is growing fast.

From MIT Technology Review

The final proof is like a precision instrument, which has just the right combination of ideas to produce the outcome they wanted.

From Quanta Magazine

The precision it took to craft such a cohesive, wholly compelling work over 12 years is nothing short of remarkable.

From The Daily Beast

And increasingly smart navigation aids in the cockpit brought far greater precision and efficiency to route planning.

From The Daily Beast

While not all 86 million maintain positions of governance or public service, the Party's machinery runs on watchmaker precision.

From The Daily Beast

It takes Sharp four hours to get into character: “I take joy in the mathematical, symmetrical precision and perfectness of Bach.”

From The Daily Beast

We do know with great precision what happened to the expelled student.

From The Daily Beast

He was engaged in the Encyclopedie, and his articles on grammar are drawn up with great precision, correctness and judgment.

From Project Gutenberg

Then turning again to Doctor Kraus, he said slowly and clearly, enunciating each word with care and precision.

From Project Gutenberg

They divide the day into ten thousand minutes, and know, with the greatest precision, what minute is favorable or otherwise.

From Project Gutenberg

The sight of those two hands, moving with their usual skill and precision, woke her out of her dream.

From Project Gutenberg

Um-ko lifted them, dusted the velvet thongs, and placed them with mathematical precision side by side upon the flat stone.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• rigor