Definitions

Definitions according to International Vocabulary of Basic and General Terms in Metrology (VIM)

Measuring instrument – device intended to be used to make measurements, alone or in conjunction with supplementary device(s).

Calibration – set of operations that establish, under specified conditions, the relationship between values of quantities indicated by a measuring instrument or measuring system, or values represented by a material measure or a reference material, and the corresponding values realized by standards.

Traceability – property of the result of a measurement or the value of a standard whereby it can be related to stated references, usually national or international standards, through an unbroken chain of comparisons all having stated uncertainties.

Uncertainty of measurement – parameter, associated with the result of a measurement that characterizes the dispersion of the values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand

Definitions according to Quality management systems – Fundamentals and vocabulary (ISO 9000:2000)

Metrological confirmation - set of operations required to ensure that measuring equipment conforms to the requirements for its intended use.

NOTE 1: Metrological confirmation generally includes calibration or verification, any necessary adjustment or repair, and subsequent recalibration, comparison with the metrological requirements for the intended use of the equipment, as well as any required sealing and labeling.

NOTE 2: Metrological confirmation is not achieved until and unless the fitness of the measuring equipment for the intended use has been demonstrated and documented.

NOTE 3: The requirements for the intended use include such considerations as range, resolution, maximum permissible errors, etc.

NOTE 4: Metrological confirmation requirements are usually distinct from and are not specified in product requirements