distribution function

noun

, Statistics.

1. (of any random variable) the function that assigns to each number the probability that the random variable takes a value less than or equal to the given number.

distribution function

noun

1. short for cumulative distribution function

Word History and Origins

Origin of distribution function¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

This is then used to generate a probability distribution function which consists of all the feasible and infeasible solutions that are within the constraints of the COP.

From Science Daily

When a number of different people make predictions about a possible event, and those predictions are aggregated, what emerges is a probability distribution function—a graph that shows the various event outcomes along with the probability the predictors assigned to each.

From Scientific American

“One of the questions we want to address is how can you make processes of distribution function better?”

From Los Angeles Times

Nothing more, nothing less,“The digital industry, wearing out its various novelties…reverts to its pure distribution function.. and seeks out the highest-value products it can provide its customers, which in the media business is the extraordinary variety, the quite astonishing inventivness, and the cultural primacy of television.”

From Forbes

Starbucks will guarantee adequate supplies of packaged coffee to enable Kraft to perform its distribution function without disruption until March 1, 2011.

From Reuters