I. pri-ˈsi-zhən noun
Date: 1740
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 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. : relevance 2
• pre·ci·sion·ist -ˈsi-zhə-nist, -ˈsizh-nist noun
II. adjective
Date: 1875
1. : adapted for extremely accurate measurement or operation
2. : held to low tolerance in manufacture
3. : marked by precision of execution