probable error

noun

Statistics.

1. 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.

probable error

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of probable error¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

From a series of measures of the angle between Jupiter’s satellites and the planet, made in June and July 1794 and in August and September 1795, Schur finds the mass of Jupiter = 1/1048.55 � 1.45, a result which accords well within the limits of its probable error with the received value of the mass derived from modern researches.

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Trigonometrical Surveys in India, to be in probable error to the following extent:   Present SurveyValue of Height Most probableValue.

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Leaving out of consideration the observer's possible, and even probable, error, the question is, can a body under these conditions be brought from a solid to a liquid state with the evolution of less light?

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After the average is given a number in parenthesis which is the probable error.

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With the small number of cases involved the probable error is too great to allow either of these measures as indicative of relationship.

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