cluster analysis

noun

: a statistical classification technique for discovering whether the individuals of a population fall into different groups by making quantitative comparisons of multiple characteristics

Examples of cluster analysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Observations under the two conditions were analysed descriptively using hierarchical cluster analysis for binomial data and indicated that in both situations, about half of the data clustered into three groups. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 20 Apr. 2018 Correspondingly, k-means cluster analysis shows that the Western Caucasian models form six emotionally homogenous clusters... Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 20 Apr. 2012 According to Gartner, advanced analytic techniques include data or text mining, complex event processing, pattern matching and visualization, as well as semantic, sentiment, and network and cluster analysis. Jerry Levine, Forbes, 10 Aug. 2022 Researchers took the results and put them through what’s called a cluster analysis to define groups that make up U.S. society. Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2021 The state has provided a mobile testing unit that will remain in Provincetown until at least Sunday, and is assisting Barnstable County with case investigation, cluster analysis, and contact tracing, among other efforts, the department said. BostonGlobe.com, 21 July 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cluster analysis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cluster analysis was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near cluster analysis

Cite this Entry

“Cluster analysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cluster%20analysis. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

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