probable error
a quantity formerly used as a measure of variability: equal to 0.6745 times the standard deviation. A normally distributed population has half of its elements within one probable error of the mean.
Origin of probable error
1Words Nearby probable error
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use probable error in a sentence
If, therefore, all were rated and scaled by this value, the results would fall under a curve of probable error.
Folkways | William Graham SumnerThe probable error of a single observation of a fine object with this theodolite is about 0″.2.
An examination of 1407 angles showed that the probable error of an observed angle is on the average 0″.28.
The net observation probable-error for one pair of stars is only 0″.1.
The greatest probable error in the velocity measurements would not exceed 1/2 per cent.
Scientific definitions for probable error
[ prŏb′ə-bəl ]
The amount by which the arithmetic mean of a sample is expected to vary because of chance alone.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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