Tolerance

There are several related definitions. The one we’re most concerned with relates to electronic and mechanical engineering, where tolerance denotes a leeway for variation from some standard. Electronic and mechanical components all have tolerances. These relate to how far away from some stated performance parameter a device is likely to go, or more specifically, how far it can deviate and still be considered within “spec.” It also refers to the device’s capacity to withstand deviation from its operational norm without failing.