absolute error

absolute error

[′ab·sə‚lüt ′er·ər]

(mathematics)

In an approximate number, the numerical difference between the number and a number considered exact.

(ordnance)

Shortest distance between the center of impact or the center of burst of a group of shots and the point of impact or burst of a single shot within the group.

Error of a sight consisting of its error in relation to a master service sight with which it is tested and of the known error of the master service sight.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.