precision
prih-SIZH-un
prɪˈsɪʒən
The quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.
In cooking, it refers to the exactness of temperature and weight, especially in baking or sous-vide.
The story behind the word. From 'pre-' (before) and 'caedere' (to cut). It literally means 'to cut off' the unnecessary parts, leaving only the exact, essential core.
Word relationships
- accuracy: Accuracy is how close you are to the true value; precision is how consistent your measurements are.
- inaccuracy: The quality of being incorrect or imprecise.
Commonly confused with
- accuracy: Precision is about detail and repeatability; accuracy is about being 'right'.
Word family
- precise (adjective): Exact and accurate.
- precisely (adverb): In a precise manner.
Collocations
- mathematical precision
- surgical precision
- precision cooking
Example sentences
- "Cooking is an art, but baking is a science of precision." Culinary philosophy
- "The digital thermometer offers the precision needed for tempering chocolate." Technical cooking
Memory hook
PRECISION is like a PRE-cut 'CISION' (incision) that is exactly right. Exactly cut.
When not to use
Don't use when 'approximation' or 'cooking by feel' is intended.
Fun facts
- In the 18th century, 'precision' was often used to describe religious 'precisians' who followed rules very strictly.
Related words
Explore more words
accuracy, replicate, replicable, rigorous, meticulous, calibrate
Also appears in
- Engineering & Industrial Design → Quality Assurance & Tolerances
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Winter & Ice Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Racket & Court Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Gymnastics & Acrobatics
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Motor & Racing Sports
- Physical Sciences & Cosmology → Laboratory Apparatus
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