accurate vs precise :

accurate or precise

&In ordinary usage, “accurate” and “precise” are often used as roughsynonyms, but scientists like to distinguish between them. Someone couldsay that a snake is over a meter long and be accurate (the snake reallydoes exceed one meter in length), but that is not a precise measurement.To be precise, the measurement would have to be more exact: the snake is1.23 meters long. The same distinction applies in scientific contexts tothe related words “accuracy” and “precision.”

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Definitions
  accurate
  • a  conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy
    an accurate reproduction
    the accounting was accurate
    accurate measurements
    an accurate scale
  • s  (of ideas, images, representations, expressions) characterized by perfect conformity to fact or truth; strictly correct
  precise
  • a  sharply exact or accurate or delimited
    a precise mind
    specified a precise amount
    arrived at the precise moment
  • s  (of ideas, images, representations, expressions) characterized by perfect conformity to fact or truth; strictly correct
    a precise image
    a precise measurement
News & Articles
  accurate
  • Clarification
    The Townsman always seeks to be accurate in its news coverage, but when we make a mistake, we want to know. Readers noting mistakes in stories are encouraged to call Editor Sonya Vartabedian at 978-475-7000, ext. 8733. To clarify a story in the Jun
    June 13, 2013 - The Andover Townsman
  • Clarification
    The Townsman always seeks to be accurate in its news coverage, but when we make a mistake, we want to know. Readers noting mistakes in stories are encouraged to call Editor Sonya Vartabedian at 978-475-7000, ext. 8733. To clarify a story in the Jun
    June 13, 2013 - The Andover Townsman
  • How Accurate Are Fitness Trackers?
    Activity monitors accurately measured energy expenditure when volunteers walked briskly but were far less reliable in tracking the energy costs of light-intensity activities like standing or cleaning.
    June 12, 2013 - New York Times
  precise
  • Xactware Unveils New Version of XactPRM
    Faster, easier, and more precise estimating for the maintenance and repair of foreclosed properties OREM, Utah - Xactware has released the latest version of XactPRMTM, a cloud-based application that makes ...
    June 13, 2013 - Accesswire via Yahoo! Finance
  • Symantec hit with layoffs
    The company's fix-it plan has been known publicly for months, while the precise head count of those losing their jobs remains a mystery.
    June 13, 2013 - San Jose Mercury News
  • Light-carved 'nano-volcanoes' hold promise for drug delivery
    Researchers have developed a method for creating "nano-volcanoes" by shining various colors of light through a nanoscale "crystal ball" made of a synthetic polymer. These nano-volcanoes can store precise amounts of other materials and hold promise for new drug-delivery technologies.
    June 13, 2013 - Science Daily