precision — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The state of being precise or exact; especially, both exact and accurate.

   Usage

   • broadly
   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   exactitudeexactnessaccuracy

   Examples

   Near-synonyms: exactitude, exactness; accuracy

2. The ability of a measurement to be reproduced consistently.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Synonyms

   nicetyrepeatabilityreproducibility

   Examples

   Near-synonyms: repeatability; reproducibility

   More examples (1)

   The classic example of the difference between precision and accuracy is that in target practice, if the grouping is tight but the group is off-center, your precision is good but your accuracy needs calibration.

3. The number of significant digits to which a value may be measured reliably.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

4. A bidding system that makes use of many artificial bids to describe a hand quite precisely.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Adjective

1. Used for exact or precise measurement.

   Usage

   • not-comparable

   Examples

   precision instruments

2. Made, or characterized by accuracy.

   Usage

   • not-comparable

   Examples

   But there was nothing he could do about Villa's second when Agbonlahor crossed from the left and Bent finished with a precision volley.

Noun

1. the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance

   Synonyms

   preciseness

   Antonyms

   imprecision

   Broader terms

   exactnessexactitude

   Examples

   he handled it with the preciseness of an automaton

   note the meticulous precision of his measurements