benchmark

benchmark

bench·mark / ˈbenchˌmärk/ • n. 1. a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed: [as adj.] a benchmark case. ∎  a problem designed to evaluate the performance of a computer system: Xstones is a graphics benchmark. 2. a surveyor's mark cut in a wall, pillar, or building and used as a reference point in measuring elevations. • v. [tr.] evaluate or check (something) by comparison with a standard: we are benchmarking our performance against external criteria. ∎  [intr.] evaluate or check something in this way: we continue to benchmark against the competition. ∎  [intr.] show particular results during a benchmark test: the device should benchmark at between 100 and 150 MHz.

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"benchmark." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"benchmark." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-benchmark.html

"benchmark." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-benchmark.html

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benchmark

benchmark a standard or point of reference against which things may be compared or assessed; a benchmark was originally a surveyor's mark cut in a wall, pillar, or building and used as a reference point in measuring altitudes.

The mark consists of a series of wedge-shaped incisures, in the form of the ‘broad-arrow’ with a horizontal bar through its apex; when the spot is below sea-level, as in mining surveys, the mark is inverted. The horizontal bar is the essential part, the broad arrow being added (originally by the Ordnance Survey) as an identification. In taking a reading, an angle-iron is held with its upper extremity inserted in the horizontal bar, so as to form a temporary bracket or bench for the support of the levelling-staff, which can thus be placed on absolutely the same base on any subsequent occasion.


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ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "benchmark." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "benchmark." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-benchmark.html

ELIZABETH KNOWLES. "benchmark." The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 2006. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O214-benchmark.html

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benchmark

benchmark (benchmark problem) A problem that has been designed to evaluate the performance of a system (hardware and software). In a benchmark test a system is subjected to a known workload and the performance of the system against this workload is measured. Typically the purpose is to compare the measured performance with that of other systems that have been subject to the same benchmark test; the performance is then said to be benchmarked.

Examples of benchmark programs include the Ackermann benchmark, debit/credit benchmark, pi benchmark, Ramp-C benchmark, and whetstone benchmark.

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JOHN DAINTITH. "benchmark." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN DAINTITH. "benchmark." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-benchmark.html

JOHN DAINTITH. "benchmark." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-benchmark.html

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benchmark

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"benchmark." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"benchmark." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-benchmark.html

"benchmark." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-benchmark.html

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