normal curve

[ nawr-muhl kurv ]

noun

, Statistics.

1. a bell curve showing a particular distribution of probability over the values of a random variable.

normal curve

noun

1. statistics a symmetrical bell-shaped curve representing the probability density function of a normal distribution. The area of a vertical section of the curve represents the probability that the random variable lies between the values which delimit the section

Word History and Origins

Origin of normal curve¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The heavy line represents the smoothed or normal curve, deduced from eighteen years' statistics and calculated for the year 1908.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, it can readily be seen that this normal curve may also be considered the expectancy curve—if the wind has no effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence we have called our curve of illumination the "normal curve."

From Project Gutenberg