| Definition |
A generic term that refers to a material or substance whose property values are sufficiently homogeneous and stable with respect to one or more specified properties, and whose fitness is well established for its intended use in a measurement process (e.g., calibration of an apparatus, the assessment of a measurement method, or for assigning values to materials). Reference materials may be materials characterized by a reference material producer, but whose values are not accompanied by an uncertainty statement or are otherwise qualified. Traceability of these materials may be questionable. |