exact

 
Pronunciation: /ɪgˈzakt, ɛg-/

adjective

  • not approximated in any way; precise: the exact details were still being worked out
  • accurate or correct in all details: an exact replica, two feet tall, was constructed
  • (of a person) accurate and careful about minor details: she was an exact, clever manager
  • (of a subject of study) permitting precise measurements as a basis for rigorously testable theories: psychomedicine isn’t an exact science yet

verb

[with object]
  • demand and obtain (something) from someone: he exacted promises that another Watergate would never be allowed to happen
  • inflict (revenge) on someone: she exacts a cruel revenge for his rejection

Derivatives

exactable

adjective

exactitude

noun

exactor

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (as a verb): from Latin exact- 'completed, ascertained, enforced', from the verb exigere, from ex- 'thoroughly' + agere 'perform'. The adjective dates from the mid 16th century and reflects the Latin exactus 'precise'