significant figures

esp US significant digits

Save This Word!

pl n

the figures of a number that express a magnitude to a specified degree of accuracy, rounding up or down the final figure3.141 59 to four significant figures is 3.142

the number of such figures3.142 has four significant figures Compare decimal place (def. 2)

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Words nearby significant figures

significance level, significance test, significancy, significant, significant digits, significant figures, significantly, significant other, significant symbol, signification, significative

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

How to use significant figures in a sentence

They were looping back around and coming down Tiebout Avenue when they spotted two figures.
Shot Down During the NYPD Slowdown|Michael Daly|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Total oil production figures include crude oil, natural gas liquids, and other liquid energy products.
Fact-Checking the Sunday Shows: Jan. 4|PunditFact.com|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Like any good marketer, Silverman says he has sales figures proving his approach is working.
The Case Against In-Your-Face Atheism|Steve Neumann|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Both are considered marginal figures in the House GOP caucus and have no real base of support for their respective bids.
The YOLO Caucus' New Cry for Attention|Ben Jacobs|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST

Judging from current figures, there would be a substantial demand for this option, too.
Men Will Someday Have Kids Without Women|Samantha Allen|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I have drawn a Line between the figures at the extream changes, that next below the Line is the extream.
Tintinnalogia, or, the Art of Ringing|Richard Duckworth and Fabian Stedman
She apparently prefers to paint single figures of women and young girls, but her works include a variety of subjects.
Women in the fine arts, from the Seventh Century B.C. to the Twentieth Century A.D.|Clara Erskine Clement
The Indian turned his head, and spoke to some one behind; one after another a score of figures rose.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
The remaining figures, being taken from census returns and other reliable authorities, are more satisfactory.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
He had seen through a powerful naval glass some figures standing erect and silhouetted against the sky on the parapet.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton