Stochastic
[stə-KAS-tik]
Part of speech: adjective
Origin: Greek, mid 17th century
1.
Randomly determined; having a random probability distribution or pattern that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.
Examples of Stochastic in a sentence
"I painted stars on my ceiling in a stochastic pattern."
"Matthew excelled at statistics, especially when he could analyze stochastic patterns."
About Stochastic
This adjective originated from the Greek words "stokhastikos" and "stokhazesthai," which both mean to "aim at, guess." They evolved in turn from the word "stokhos" (aim).
Did you Know?
Have you ever wondered how poll numbers and surveys displayed on the news are collected? Statisticians collect and analyze stochastic data so that ordinary people can understand the facts and figures that make up daily life. For example — did you know that one-third of American adults still sleep with a comfort object? If you did, thank a statistician.
