probable error

American  

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.

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probable error Scientific  

/ prŏb′ə-bəl /

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

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Etymology

Origin of probable error

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

probable error

The probable error of a declination from a single transit was ±0″.141, and judging from the accidental errors, the series ought to give trustworthy results.

From Astronomical Discovery by Turner, Herbert Hall

But after allowing for my probable error, it figures an ellipse of low eccentricity, between the orbits of Io and Europa.

From Spacehounds of IPC by Smith, E. E. (Edward Elmer)

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

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 4 "Hero" to "Hindu Chronology" by Various

Page 17: "Manuel Commenus" probable error for "Manuel Comnenus".

From Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln A Short Story of One of the Makers of Mediaeval England by Marson, Charles L. (Charles Latimer)

We still have a probable error of several miles in hitting the target.

From The Electronic Mind Reader by Blaine, John