statistics

[ stuh-tis-tiks ]

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the science that deals with the collection, classification, analysis, and interpretation of numerical facts or data, and that, by use of mathematical theories of probability, imposes order and regularity on aggregates of more or less disparate elements.
2. (used with a plural verb) the numerical facts or data themselves.

statistics

/ stəˈtɪstɪks /

noun

1. functioning as plural quantitative data on any subject, esp data comparing the distribution of some quantity for different subclasses of the population

   statistics for earnings by different age groups

2. functioning as singular
   1. the classification and interpretation of such data in accordance with probability theory and the application of methods such as hypothesis testing to them
   2. the mathematical study of the theoretical nature of such distributions and tests See also descriptive statistics statistical inference

statistics

/ stə-tĭs′tĭks /

1. The branch of mathematics that deals with the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data. Statistics is especially useful in drawing general conclusions about a set of data from a sample of the data.
2. Numerical data.

statistics

1. The branch of mathematics dealing with numerical data. ( See mean , median , mode , normal distribution curve , sample , standard deviation , and statistical significance .)

Notes

A particular problem of statistics is estimating true values of parameters from a sample of data.

Word History and Origins

Origin of statistics¹

First recorded in 1770–80; from German Statistik “political science, statistics,” from New Latin (collēgium) statisticum “(council) of state,” from statisticus “pertaining to state affairs,” and from Italian statista “politician, statesman,” derivative of stato “state,” ultimately from Latin status “constitution, public order”; status, -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of statistics¹

C18 (originally ``science dealing with facts of a state''): via German Statistik , from New Latin statisticus concerning state affairs, from Latin status state

Example Sentences

Pancreatic cancer, known as the “silent killer,” is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths and accounted for 8% of cancer deaths this year, according to statistics from the National Institutes of Health.

From Los Angeles Times

The "shocking" statistics have sparked calls for repeat offenders to undertake mandatory retraining.

From BBC

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy and standards at road safety charity IAM RoadSmart, said the "shocking statistics" called into question the definition of exceptional hardship.

From BBC

The average price of a pint of draught lager in the UK was £4.47 in September, according to the Office for National Statistics, but the British Beer and Pub Association recently revealed that landlords make 12p profit per pint.

From BBC

"Up to ten hours after it happened, there were no statistics on the casualties, no statements from the police," said one of them.

From BBC

Related Words

• data
• stats