statistics

[ stuh-tis-tiks ]

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the science that deals with the collection, classification, analysis, and interpretation of numerical facts or data, and that, by use of mathematical theories of probability, imposes order and regularity on aggregates of more or less disparate elements.
2. (used with a plural verb) the numerical facts or data themselves.

statistics

/ stəˈtɪstɪks /

noun

1. functioning as plural quantitative data on any subject, esp data comparing the distribution of some quantity for different subclasses of the population

   statistics for earnings by different age groups

2. functioning as singular
   1. the classification and interpretation of such data in accordance with probability theory and the application of methods such as hypothesis testing to them
   2. the mathematical study of the theoretical nature of such distributions and tests See also descriptive statistics statistical inference

statistics

/ stə-tĭs′tĭks /

1. The branch of mathematics that deals with the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data. Statistics is especially useful in drawing general conclusions about a set of data from a sample of the data.
2. Numerical data.

statistics

1. The branch of mathematics dealing with numerical data. ( See mean , median , mode , normal distribution curve , sample , standard deviation , and statistical significance .)

Notes

A particular problem of statistics is estimating true values of parameters from a sample of data.

Word History and Origins

Origin of statistics¹

First recorded in 1770–80; from German Statistik “political science, statistics,” from New Latin (collēgium) statisticum “(council) of state,” from statisticus “pertaining to state affairs,” and from Italian statista “politician, statesman,” derivative of stato “state,” ultimately from Latin status “constitution, public order”; status, -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of statistics¹

C18 (originally ``science dealing with facts of a state''): via German Statistik , from New Latin statisticus concerning state affairs, from Latin status state

Example Sentences

So however detailed the statistics of the battlefield are, they cannot achieve the goal.

From The Daily Beast

A hard look at campus rape statistics, the collapse of The New Republic and the day John Lennon died.

From The Daily Beast

What is much more important than these numbers is an internal dynamic for which there are no statistics.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, what this map really showed was the fallacy of aggregates – and how statistics can mask real cultural shifts.

From The Daily Beast

In the face of those statistics, these two non-indictments are glaring.

From The Daily Beast

Gottfried Achenwall, an eminent German lecturer on statistics, history and the laws of nature, died at Gttingen.

From Project Gutenberg

He published several volumes on political economy, and was much interested in statistics.

From Project Gutenberg

Well pleased was Mr. Wainwright to see that statistics took my fancy.

From Project Gutenberg

These statistics were of much practical use when considering questions of economy and other matters from day to day.

From Project Gutenberg

I was soon surprised to find that I too had a taste for statistics and acquired some skill in their compilation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• data
• stats