normal distribution

American  

noun

Statistics.

1. a theoretical frequency distribution represented by a normal curve.

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normal distribution British  

noun

1. Also called: Gaussian distribution.  statistics a continuous distribution of a random variable with its mean, median, and mode equal, the probability density function of which is given by ( exp- [( x –μ)²/2σ²]/σ√(2π)) where μ is the mean and σ² the variance

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normal distribution Scientific  

/ nôr′məl /

1. A theoretical frequency distribution for a set of variable data, usually represented by a bell-shaped curve symmetrical about the mean.

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Etymology

Origin of normal distribution

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

"The work of Le Corbusier is a central contribution to modern architecture," the government said in its statement.

From Reuters • Jul. 17, 2016

The central contribution of Angus Deaton, the latest winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in economics, has been to shift the gaze of his fellow economists beyond measures of income, to broader measures of well-being.

From New York Times • Oct. 12, 2015

But the economics profession must begin a reappraisal of his central contribution to monetary theory.

From BusinessWeek • Feb. 4, 2011

Neither Lieberman Aiden nor Mirny say they have a strong opinion on whether the system uses one ring or two, but they do differ on cohesin's central contribution to loop formation.

From Nature