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Bench reference · 254 terms

Words worth knowing

Start with the plain-language meaning, then reach for the technical definition when you need precision.

Showing 1 term

Accuracy

Also: closeness to truth

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In plain language

How close a result is to the accepted reference or true value.

Technical definition

Accuracy is qualitative unless tied to a defined error or uncertainty statement; it includes systematic as well as random effects.

Example A calibrated scale averaging 100.0 g for a 100.0 g reference is accurate under that test.

Common misconception Accuracy and precision are different: repeatable readings may share the same bias.