normal distribution
noun
: a probability density function that approximates the distribution of many random variables (such as the proportion of outcomes of a particular kind in a large number of independent repetitions of an experiment in which the probabilities remain constant from trial to trial) and that has the form {latex}f(x) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2\pi\sigma^{2}}}e^{-\frac{(x - \mu)^{2}}{2\sigma^{2}}}{/latex} where μ is the mean and σ is the standard deviation compare normal curve
Examples of normal distribution in a Sentence
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With this, the second release of a Fedora Remix, Asahi is becoming an almost normal distribution to install, a reasonable place to compute.
—
Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 9 May 2024
Second, the initial velocities will have a normal distribution of speeds and will start off in random directions.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2024
Assuming a normal distribution that's a 1 in 20 million probability.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2010
Additionally, there's a normal distribution of the trait.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2011
Problem Two: Unusual People In the normal distribution, the next algorithm is premised on the most likely next correlation, and the most likely next correlation after that.
—Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 7 May 2023
Going back to height, the plot to the left shows an idealized normal distribution of height for males.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Dec. 2011
With a normal distribution, that would mean that most American men would be between 69.9 and 70.1 inches tall—essentially all the same size.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2022
In a normal distribution that's the ~2% tail at the ends.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 12 Jan. 2011
Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 9 May 2024
Second, the initial velocities will have a normal distribution of speeds and will start off in random directions.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2024
Assuming a normal distribution that's a 1 in 20 million probability.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2010
Additionally, there's a normal distribution of the trait.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2011
Problem Two: Unusual People In the normal distribution, the next algorithm is premised on the most likely next correlation, and the most likely next correlation after that.
—Nancy Doyle, Forbes, 7 May 2023
Going back to height, the plot to the left shows an idealized normal distribution of height for males.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 24 Dec. 2011
With a normal distribution, that would mean that most American men would be between 69.9 and 70.1 inches tall—essentially all the same size.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 23 Dec. 2022
In a normal distribution that's the ~2% tail at the ends.
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 12 Jan. 2011
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'normal distribution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Normal distribution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/normal%20distribution. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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