An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

Not precise; not exact; vague.

From im-, variant of → in- + → precise.

The quality of lacking → precision.

From im-, variant of → in- + → precision.

1) Definitely or sharply stated, or defined.
2) Designating → precision.
See also: → accurate, → exact.

M.E., from M.Fr. précis "cut short" from M.L. precisus, from L. præcisus "abridged, cut off," p.p. of præcidere "to cut off, shorten," from præ- "in front," → pre-, + cædere "to cut down, chop, beat, hew, slay."

Parsun literally "cut around" (compare with Skt. pariccheda "precise, accurate definition, exact discrimination," from pari- + cheda "cut, cutting off," from chid- "to cut, split"), from par-, variant of pirâ- "around, about," → peri-, + sun "to cut;" cf. Kurd. Sorani su, sun "to sharpen, whet;" Kurd. Kurmanji (prefixed ha-, contraction of *ham-) hasun "to sharpen, whet;" Mod.Pers. sân "whetstone," variants fasân, afsân, awsân; Av. si-, sā- "to cut;" cf. Skt. śā- "to sharpen, whet" (see also → concrete).

In a precise manner.

→ precise; → -ly.

The quality or state of being very accurate.

→ precise; → -ness.

1) The state or quality of being → precise.
2) The degree to which repeated measurements of a quantity give the same results under unchanged conditions. Not the same as → accuracy, but often confused as such. See → accuracy for the difference between precision and accuracy.

Verbal noun from → precise.

1) To mention or name specifically or definitely; state in detail.
2) To give a specific character to; to set forth as a specification (Dictionary.com).

→ specific; → -fy.