Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter N
If something is exact then it is complete and can not be embellished.
Exact (adj)
1. Strictly and completely in accord with fact; not deviating from truth or reality: an exact account; an exact replica; your exact words.
2. Characterized by accurate measurements or inferences with small margins of error; not approximate: an exact figure; an exact science.
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Something can be exact (and
at the time complete) at the time of definition or statement, but that does not prevent said definition from being modified at some future point in time, therefore producing a more exact (and more complete) and more accurate definition.
By virtue of your dictionary reference using the word 'Characterized', it can be presumed you are using an American, or Americanised dictionary. Perhaps you would be better using a UK English source for your look-ups.
D_A