fineness

[ fahyn-nis ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being fine.
2. the proportion of pure precious metal in an alloy, often expressed in parts per thousand.

ˈfineness

/ ˈfaɪnnɪs /

noun

1. the state or quality of being fine
2. a measurement of the purity of precious metal, expressed as the number of parts per thousand that is precious metal

Word History and Origins

Origin of fineness¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; fine ¹, -ness

Example Sentences

For Czeresko, the process is “athletic, yet has this fineness to it.”

From New York Times

Her paintings have a fineness and excess of detail — and therefore of meticulous technique — that astound the eye.

From New York Times

But reading of the societal developments, we may yearn for the fineness of touch with which the novel opened.

From New York Times

The simple, elegant set by Bill Clarke, all black-and-white Art Nouveau swirls and sheer curtains, suggests the fineness of taste that the writing requires.

From New York Times

The fineness of your crumbs is more important than the type of bread used.

From New York Times