stochastic

[ stuh-kas-tik ]

adjective

, Statistics.

1. of or relating to a process involving a randomly determined sequence of observations each of which is considered as a sample of one element from a probability distribution.

stochastic

/ stɒˈkæstɪk /

adjective

1. statistics
   1. (of a random variable) having a probability distribution, usually with finite variance
   2. (of a process) involving a random variable the successive values of which are not independent
   3. (of a matrix) square with non-negative elements that add to unity in each row
2. rare.
   involving conjecture

stochastic

/ stō-kăs′tĭk /

1. Involving or containing a random variable or variables.
2. Involving chance or probability.

Derived Forms

• stoˈchastically, adverb

Other Words From

• sto·chasti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of stochastic¹

1655–65; < Greek stochastikós, equivalent to stochas- (variant stem of stocházesthai to aim at) + -tikos -tic

Word History and Origins

Origin of stochastic¹

C17: from Greek stokhastikos capable of guessing, from stokhazesthai to aim at, conjecture, from stokhos a target

Example Sentences

The language used in Trump’s speeches in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, his fundraising emails and his communications more broadly are almost textbook stochastic terrorism.

From Salon

These are just a few examples of a much larger pattern of violence, stochastic terrorism, and other violent and antidemocratic behavior by Trump during the last nine years.

From Salon

“Each population is small and highly susceptible to stochastic events, especially wildfire,” notes a five-year status review for the frogs released last month by the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Mercieca said data show Trump’s attacks on groups of people have spurred “stochastic terrorism” — or political violence against groups of people targeted with hostile political rhetoric.

From Los Angeles Times

Here, quantities are calculated using random or stochastic processes.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• debatable
• imaginary
• problematic
• speculative
• theoretical
• vague