double precision

(computer science) The use of two computer words to represent a double-length number.

Using two computer words instead of one to hold a number used for calculations, thus allowing twice as large a number for more arithmetic precision. Contrast with single precision.

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In calculations performed by a computer, keeping track of twice as many digits as usual. For example, if a computer normally keeps track of six digits for Floating-Point Numbers, it will keep track of 12 digits when it is operating in double-precision mode.