In a discussion of business jargon, the word "benchmark" was used. It is also very common in computer jargon.
I was dumbfounded when I tried to look it up in Webster New World dictionary and got " no definition is available for this word." So I looked it up in the Cambridge dictionary;
benchmark noun [C usually sing]
a mark made on something such as a post used as a point for measuring things by
FIGURATIVE Despite her behaviour off-stage her performances set a new benchmark
(=standard) for singers throughout the world.
benchmark adjective [not gradable]
This is a benchmark case for legal history.
( Cambridge International Dictionary of English )
But that definition is also inadequate. On US Geodetic Survey maps, there are small black squares indicating location of benchmarks, which are cement posts with top at ground level, with a very small mark on a bronze insert giving very accurate location of surveyor's mark, and the map indicates longitude and latitude figures and elevation above sea level. These can be used when needed by surveyors, as they are as accurate as state of art permitted.
So, by analogy, a benchmark in computer terms means an accurate standard that can be used for making comparisons.
Please make additions or corrections.
