probable error

nounStatistics.

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

First recorded in 1805–15

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

If, therefore, all were rated and scaled by this value, the results would fall under a curve of probable error.
Folkways | William Graham Sumner
The probable error of a single observation of a fine object with this theodolite is about 0″.2.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 | Various
An examination of 1407 angles showed that the probable error of an observed angle is on the average 0″.28.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 | Various
The net observation probable-error for one pair of stars is only 0″.1.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 | Various
The greatest probable error in the velocity measurements would not exceed 1/2 per cent.
The Water Supply of the El Paso and Southwestern Railway from Carrizozo to Santa Rosa, N. Mex. | J. L. Campbell

probable error

[ prŏb′ə-bəl ]

The amount by which the arithmetic mean of a sample is expected to vary because of chance alone.

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