statistics
UK: stəˈtɪstɪks | US: stəˈtɪstɪks
n. the science of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting numerical data
n. (plural) numerical facts or data compiled for reference or analysis
statistics = stat<state, position> + istics<study or science>
- stat (from Latin status, meaning "state, condition, position")
- istics (from Greek -istikos, later Latin -istica, denoting a field of study or science)
Etymology Origin:
The word statistics originates from the Latin statisticus ("of the state") and Italian statista ("statesman"). It initially referred to data collection for state governance (e.g., census, trade records). By the 18th century, it evolved into a mathematical discipline focused on data analysis, retaining its root stat- (state) but broadening to encompass general numerical study.
She majored in statistics to analyze trends in public health.
The government publishes unemployment statistics monthly.
His argument relied heavily on misleading statistics.
Advanced statistics are used to predict election outcomes.
The professor emphasized the importance of statistics in scientific research.