Knowledge
Metrology Dictionary
The complete VIM vocabulary — all numbered concepts of JCGM 200:2012 as faithful paraphrases with clause citations — plus clearly labeled practice terms from the GUM, ILAC, ISO and NIST guidance.
Datum measurement error
The measurement error of an instrument or system at a specified measured value — the error quoted at a named point rather than over the whole interval.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.27 · Instruments
Dead band
The maximum interval through which the value of the quantity being measured can be changed in both directions without producing a detectable change in indication — hysteresis's operational signature.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.17 · Instruments
Detection limit
The measured value, obtained by a given procedure, for which the probability of falsely claiming absence of a component is β, given a probability α of falsely claiming its presence — the statistically honest "smallest amount we can claim to see".
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.18 · Instruments
Detector
A device or substance that indicates the presence of a phenomenon, body, or substance when a threshold of an associated quantity is exceeded — presence, not magnitude.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 3.9 · Instruments
Discrimination threshold
The largest change in the value of the quantity being measured that causes no detectable change in the corresponding indication — stickiness quantified.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 4.16 · Instruments
Displaying measuring instrument
An indicating instrument whose output signal is presented in visual form.
VIM (JCGM 200:2012) 3.4 · Instruments