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

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

Regression analysis is sometimes called "least squares" analysis because the method of determining which line best "fits" the data is to minimize the sum of the squared residuals of a line put through the data.

From Textbooks • Nov. 29, 2017

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

From Textbooks • Sep. 19, 2013

Does the least squares line give an accurate estimate for that year?

From Textbooks • Sep. 19, 2013

On the determination by least squares of the relation between two variables.

From United States Government Publications, v. 8 Jan-Jun 1892 A Monthly Catalog by Compiled