I. ig-ˈzakt transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, to require as payment, from Latin exactus, past participle of exigere to drive out, demand, measure, from ex- + agere to drive — more at agent
Date: 1564
1. : to call for forcibly or urgently and obtain
from them has been exact ed the ultimate sacrifice — D. D. Eisenhower
2. : to call for as necessary or desirable
Synonyms: see demand
• ex·act·able -ˈzak-tə-bəl adjective
• ex·ac·tor also ex·act·er -ˈzak-tər noun
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin exactus
Date: 1533
1. : exhibiting or marked by strict, particular, and complete accordance with fact or a standard
2. : marked by thorough consideration or minute measurement of small factual details
Synonyms: see correct
• ex·act·ness -ˈzak(t)-nəs noun