precision

1 of 2

noun

pre·​ci·​sion pri-ˈsi-zhən 

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

: relevance sense 2

precisionist

pri-ˈsi-zhə-nist 

-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.

Synonyms

Noun

• accuracy
• accurateness
• closeness
• delicacy
• exactitude
• exactness
• fineness
• nicety
• perfection
• preciseness
• rigor
• rigorousness
• ultraprecision
• veracity

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

Reports indicate that the cars carrying the convoy were clearly marked as belonging to the charity, but Israeli forces struck its vehicles multiple times with pinpoint precision. —Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 3 Apr. 2024

Historical structures buried over time may be invisible to the naked eye, the researchers said, but can be found and reconstructed using LiDAR with extreme precision, also preventing potential damage from an excavation. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2024

Layering various datasets and moving census blocks around allow maps to be tweaked with surgical precision, the digital scalpel ruthlessly carving up counties, towns, and neighborhoods. —TIME, 1 Apr. 2024

His personalized approach ensures that each client's unique objectives are met with precision and foresight, resulting in sustainable growth and an impressive return on investment. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

Odd Bird tackles many styles of beers, all with precision. —Ronnie Koenig, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

There’s a precision chip in the purifier that monitors the air quality and sends different color light signals that show what the quality of the air in the room is. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 25 Mar. 2024

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

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing precision

• precision medicine

Kids Definition

precision

1 of 2 noun

pre·​ci·​sion pri-ˈsizh-ən 

: 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