rule of thumb Hear it!

rule of thumb definition

rule of thumb

  1. a rule based on experience or practice rather than on scientific knowledge
  2. any method of estimating that is practical though not precise

Etymology: from the method of measuring by the thumb

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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