Definition of bias
1 a
: an inclination of temperament or outlook;
especially
: a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment : prejudice
b
: an instance of such prejudice
d (1)
: deviation of the expected value of a statistical estimate from the quantity it estimates
(2)
: systematic error introduced into sampling or testing by selecting or encouraging one outcome or answer over others
2
: a line diagonal to the grain of a fabric;
especially
: a line at a 45 degree angle to the selvage often utilized in the cutting of garments for smoother fit
3 a
: a peculiarity in the shape of a bowl that causes it to swerve when rolled on the green in lawn bowling
b
: the tendency of a bowl to swerve;
also
: the impulse causing this tendency
c
: the swerve of the bowl
4 a
: a voltage applied to a device (such as a transistor control electrode) to establish a reference level for operation
b
: a high-frequency voltage combined with an audio signal to reduce distortion in tape recording
—
on the bias
1
: diagonally to the grain of a fabric
- cut the cloth on the bias
- sleeves cut on the bias
2
: at an angle : diagonally to the fibers of something
- cut the meat on the bias
- carrots cut on the bias
