precision

1 of 2

noun

pre·​ci·​sion pri-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce precision (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being precise : exactness
2
a
: the degree of refinement with which an operation is performed or a measurement stated compare accuracy sense 2b
b
: the accuracy (as in binary or decimal places) with which a number can be represented usually expressed in terms of the number of computer words available for representation
double precision arithmetic permits the representation of an expression by two computer words
3
precisionist
pri-ˈsi-zhə-nist How to pronounce precision (audio)
-ˈsizh-nist
noun

precision

2 of 2

adjective

1
: adapted for extremely accurate measurement or operation
2
: held to low tolerance in manufacture
3
: marked by precision of execution

Did you know?

Many of us often use precision and accuracy as synonyms, but not scientists and engineers. For them, accuracy describes a particular measurement—that is, how close it is to the truth. But precision describes a measurement system—that is, how good it is at giving the same result every time it measures the same thing. This may be why even nonscientists now often speak of "precision instruments" for measuring, "precision landings" made by airplanes, "precision drilling" for natural gas, and so on.

Examples of precision in a Sentence

Noun I admire the precision of her work. the company that measures TV ratings prides itself on the precision of its calculations Adjective The airplane made a precision approach for landing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The Gaels are a skilled, precision team that plays on the floor. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 If the tumor were excised with anything less than perfect precision, with every vessel meticulously cauterized, catastrophic bleeding into the brain could result. David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024 Talk about speed: Our scientists are already decreasing plant breeding cycles from five years down to merely four months with precision breeding. Bill Anderson, Fortune, 21 Mar. 2024 The action sequences in The Fall Guy vary, but each one offers a level of gripping precision. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 Both Hezbollah and the Houthis have deployed precision missiles and drones in their attacks, and although Israel has impressive defense capabilities against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, its defenses are not impenetrable. Amos Yadlin, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2024 The singer provides a unique vantage point, combining his innate artistic eye with his taste for precision and personal fascination with the art of watchmaking. Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 The intentional clumsiness at the beginning — a sign of the Kid’s sophomoric approach to vengeance — later gives way to a compelling precision and agility. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 Previous studies of neurons had established that these channels are important for tuning neurons’ precision, but their role in adjusting the behavior of motor neurons specifically was unclear. Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Tracking foot traffic and transaction volume data — a pillar of any precision retail program — helps stores avoid over- and understaffing, ensuring associates are always on hand to help customers in need. Bjoern Petersen, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2022 And the composite in the aluminum-composite rear axle links was flexible enough to give the rear axle a disturbing springy, non-precision feel in some dynamic situations. Gary Witzenburg, Car and Driver, 7 July 2021 His Merrill Lynch account contains shares of companies like Sarepta Therapeutics, a maker of precision genetic medicines that treat rare neuromuscular and central nervous system diseases. New York Times, 20 Mar. 2021 But after decades of offshoring, finding U.S. manufacturing facilities capable of producing precision medical devices isn't easy. David Z. Morris, Fortune, 21 Feb. 2021 The invention challenge drew numerous tinkerers with no experience making precision medical devices for use on the critically ill. Washington Post, 14 Aug. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'precision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precision was in 1698

Dictionary Entries Near precision

Cite this Entry

“Precision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precision. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

precision

1 of 2 noun
pre·​ci·​sion pri-ˈsizh-ən How to pronounce precision (audio)
: the quality or state of being precise : exactness, accuracy

precision

2 of 2 adjective
1
: designed for very accurate measurement or operation
a precision gauge
2
: marked by precision
precision drilling

More from Merriam-Webster on precision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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