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

• preˈcisionism, noun
• preˈcisionist, 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

A column of smoke from the fire this weekend targeted New York City with bull’s-eye precision, prompting air-pollution warnings for sensitive groups.

From Slate

Briones’ singing has a straightforward, here-are-the-facts quality that nonetheless draws out the unerring precision of Sondheim’s lyrics.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year the previous government passed the Precision Breeding Act, which paved the way for the commercial sale of gene-edited food in England.

From BBC

But Defra ministers also have to consider the views of environmental campaigners, such as Dr Helen Wallace of Genewatch UK, who have concerns about the “unwanted consequences” of the Precision Breeding Act.

From BBC

That’s an unmatched level of precision among more than 3,000 counties nationwide.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• rigor