benchmark

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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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