precision

1 of 2

noun

pre·​ci·​sion pri-ˈsi-zhən How to pronounce precision (audio)
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
precisionist
pri-ˈsi-zhə-nist How to pronounce precision (audio)
-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.

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
The intentional clumsiness at the beginning — a sign of the Kid’s sophomoric approach to vengeance — later gives way to a compelling precision and agility. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 Previous studies of neurons had established that these channels are important for tuning neurons’ precision, but their role in adjusting the behavior of motor neurons specifically was unclear. Quanta Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 Finish: Matte Key ingredients: Botanical blend of lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily, plus vitamin E Staying power: Long-lasting Ease of application: The precision, doe-foot applicator makes for quick and easy application. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2024 She’s known for her preparation and precision, with an affinity for crowd work that translates well into riffing with the contestants on her show. Eliza Brooke, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The feeling of those years is reflected, in some ways, in the film but the synthesis process also generates precision. Holly Jones, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 For its part, Hezbollah last week launched dozens of rockets and UAVs at cities and villages in Israel in addition to firing precision missiles at civilian buildings along the border. Forbes International, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 In the digital realm, the ability to meticulously track, assess and enhance every cent spent renders the old wholesale buying model irrelevant, emphasizing the need for precision and optimization in advertising investments for true business success. Aleks Farseev, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Odysseus landed within about a mile of its target landing site — with higher precision than most earlier landers. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 26 Feb. 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'precision.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1698, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of precision was in 1698

Dictionary Entries Near precision

Cite this Entry

“Precision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precision. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

precision

1 of 2 noun
pre·​ci·​sion pri-ˈsizh-ən How to pronounce precision (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on precision

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