autocorrelation

noun

au·​to·​cor·​re·​la·​tion ˌȯ-tō-ˌkȯr-ə-ˈlā-shən 

-ˌkär-

: the correlation between paired values of a function of a mathematical or statistical variable taken at usually constant intervals that indicates the degree of periodicity of the function

Examples of autocorrelation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Liquid markets with daily pricing typically exhibit very low or negative autocorrelation. — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Mar. 2026

Statistical analyses confirmed significant spatial autocorrelation, particularly on days with higher bioturbation activity. — Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

Such a trend would have a negative autocorrelation — the average tends to revert to the mean over time. — G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2024

When autocorrelation is too high, a model is not reacting enough to movement in the underlying data. — G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2023

One main root of the problem is spatial autocorrelation - the fact that the fMRI signal tends to be similar (correlated) across nearby regions. — Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 5 May 2016

Word History

Etymology

auto- + correlation

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for autocorrelation

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization
• capitalization