bell curve

American  

[bel kurv] / ˈbɛl ˌkɜrv /

noun

Statistics.

1. a frequency curve that resembles the outline of a bell, such as the normal curve.

   The function is balanced, meaning that the distribution of index values typically follows a bell curve, not a flat linear distribution.

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bell curve Scientific  

1. A symmetrical bell-shaped curve that represents the distribution of values, frequencies, or probabilities of a set of data. It slopes downward from a point in the middle corresponding to the mean value, or the maximum probability. Data that reflect the aggregate outcome of large numbers of unrelated events tend to result in bell curve distributions.

2. ◆ The Gaussian or normal distribution is a mathematically well-defined bell curve used in statistics and in science generally.

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Etymology

Origin of bell curve

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“I don’t think it’s reached the top of the bell curve by any means,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The Bell Curve” implicitly rejected all of them, arguing against engaging in any argument at all.

From Salon

But there are potential ways to help the tool evolve with the changing climate, including expanding its baseline to include wetter periods before the onset of the current megadrought, which would help even out the bell curve and reduce the frequency of extremes, the researchers said.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s very accessible, even as it elevates people that are out at the end of the bell curve in this particular type of intelligence.

From Seattle Times

No one has spent more time at the far end of the Bell curve than Biles, who has spent 10 years using her singular talents to push boundaries in more ways than one.

From Washington Times