fiducial

[ fi-doo-shuhl, -dyoo- ]

adjective

1. accepted as a fixed basis of reference or comparison:

   a fiducial point; a fiducial temperature.

2. based on or having trust:

   fiducial dependence upon God.

fiducial

/ fɪˈdjuːʃɪəl /

adjective

1. physics used as a standard of reference or measurement

   a fiducial point

2. of or based on trust or faith
3. law a less common word for fiduciary

Derived Forms

• fiˈducially, adverb

Other Words From

• fi·ducial·ly adverb
• unfi·ducial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiducial¹

1565–75; < Late Latin fīdūciālis, equivalent to fīdūci ( a ) trust (akin to fīdere to trust) + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiducial¹

C17: from Late Latin fīdūciālis , from Latin fīdūcia confidence, reliance, from fīdere to trust

Example Sentences

The cistern should not, however, require adjustment to a zero or fiducial point.

From Project Gutenberg

When the mouth is adjusted to the lower fiducial line, the scale is exact.

From Project Gutenberg

It gives, in short, the average tint of every unit of area in the picture, measured from the fiducial lines as co-ordinates.

From Project Gutenberg

It is upon this focusing-screen in the roof that I see the fiducial lines by which I make all the adjustments.

From Project Gutenberg

As regards the fiducial lines, they might be drawn on the glass screen; but black lines are not, I find, the best.

From Project Gutenberg