least squares

American  

noun

Statistics.

1. a method of estimating values from a set of observations by minimizing the sum of the squares of the differences between the observations and the values to be found.

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least squares British  

noun

1. a method for determining the best value of an unknown quantity relating one or more sets of observations or measurements, esp to find a curve that best fits a set of data. It states that the sum of the squares of the deviations of the experimentally determined value from its optimum value should be a minimum

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Etymology

Origin of least squares

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

least squares

The algorithm evolved beyond the conventional least squares method and helped devise a neural circuit model optimized for energy efficiency over diverse walking speeds.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 22, 2024

One such technique is called least squares regression and can be computed by many graphing calculators, spreadsheet software, statistical software, and many web-based calculators7.

From Textbooks ● Sep. 23, 2020

State the least squares line and the correlation coefficient.

From Textbooks ● Sep. 19, 2013

Use the least squares line to estimate the area of a new state that enters the Union.

From Textbooks ● Sep. 19, 2013

The method of least squares, was also discovered during his first term.

From Heroes of the Telegraph by Munro, John