I. prēˈsīs, prə̇ˈs- adjective
( sometimes -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle French precis, from Latin praecisus, past participle of praecidere to cut off, shorten, from prae- pre- + -cidere (from caedere to cut) — more at concise
1.
a.
(1) : characterized by a definite often terse statement or specific meaning : devoid of anything vague, equivocal, or uncertain
this is no time for generalities and I will venture to be precise — Sir Winston Churchill
find a more precise term than good to describe the work
(2) : measured or measuring in mathematically often minutely exact units
the precise velocity of the satellite
precise figures recording the racer's time to the hundredth of a second
the precise techniques of microchemistry
a precise balance
(3) : having distinct often close limits : exactly delimited
energy … released in precise channels, as when a current causes the glow in a bulb — E.A.Armstrong
determine the precise meaning of the term
standardization through precise control of processing
(4) : exact to a point : being without deviation : absolute
hit the mark with precise accuracy
that totalitarianism is the precise opposite of anarchy
b. : developed or indicated in specific or minute detail
working out the precise relationship of the languages — Edward Sapir
2. : conforming strictly to an exact pattern or standard : shaped, arranged, or performed with minute conformity to a pattern
flying a beautiful, tight, precise formation — Walter Bernstein
: rigorous in observing a rule, code, or convention : scrupulous , fastidious
a precise , magisterial person … incapable of letting the most trivial mistake go uncorrected — Gerald Bullett
specifically : puritanical
3. : distinguished from every other : very
the precise task for which he was born — L.P.Smith
arrived just at that precise moment
4. : sharply distinct in appearance or sound
the precise images in the camera finder
speaks … with a precise British accent — Current Biography
Synonyms: see correct
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to make precise : state, define, or determine exactly or strictly : particularize