Preciznost

Preciznost is a term used in several South Slavic languages, including Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian, and Slovenian, to denote the quality of being precise or exact. In scientific and technical contexts it refers to the degree to which repeated measurements or observations under unchanged conditions yield similar results.

Preciznost is closely related to, yet distinct from, accuracy. Precision indicates consistency or repeatability of measurements, while accuracy denotes closeness to the true value. A set of measurements can be highly precise but not accurate if they cluster tightly around an incorrect value; likewise, accurate measurements may be imprecise if they vary widely.

In metrology, concepts such as repeatability and reproducibility describe different aspects of precision. Repeatability is the closeness of agreement between measurements under the same conditions over a short time; reproducibility extends this to different instruments, operators, or environments. Measurement uncertainty combines random errors affecting precision and systematic errors that affect accuracy.

Improving precision typically involves better instrumentation, rigorous calibration and traceability, standardized measurement procedures, environmental control, and appropriate statistical analysis. In industry and science, high precision supports reliable data, tighter quality control, and clearer interpretation of results.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from Latin praecisus and entered Slavic languages via European usage; in many languages it corresponds to the English "precision" and the French "précis."