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

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.)

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

They turn the clinical statistics of the budget into human stories.

Read more on Salon

All statistics in this calendar are in expressed in nominal terms unless labeled "real."

Read more on MarketWatch

These advisers spend the two years between every competition scrutinizing volumes of statistics to inform every decision, from who should make the team to the most advantageous course layout and the optimal player pairings.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

According to advanced NHL statistics, both his top speed and his speed bursts are below average for the league this season.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But of all the gaudy statistics that Rantanen has compiled this year, the most remarkable number of his season so far might be how many times he was traded: Two.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• data 
• stats www.thesaurus.com