linear regression

noun

: the process of finding a straight line (as by least squares) that best approximates a set of points on a graph

Examples of linear regression in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This example is meant to illustrate the heart of an important debate between frequentist (linear regression) and Bayesian (probabilistic) statistics: Is a large enough data set sufficient to predict a future outcome? Sourav Goswami, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 In a paper published on the research repository arxiv.org, the Naver team looked at the performance of probabilistic time-series models that have become popular lately for sales forecasting tasks and compared them to a simpler machine learning model and to linear regression. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 1 Dec. 2020 This was done using linear regression. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 Mar. 2018 Melting rate and hardness of each hardened ice cream was measured and correlated with the structural attributes by using analysis of variance and multiple linear regression. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 9 June 2011 Currently, the market standard has been to use linear regression to forecast trends. Sourav Goswami, Forbes, 11 Nov. 2022 As expected, for single SNP analysis (without binning by recombination rate), linear regression is very significant for FST between African Americans and either non-African population (P≪10−12). Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2010 While one example achieved a 90 percent accuracy with a linear regression model, the person did not calculate precision, recall, or F1. Sean Gallagher, Ars Technica, 15 Aug. 2022 For example, in predictive analytics, if the response data type is numeric in nature, linear regression is the preferred technique. Prashanth Southekal, Forbes, 6 Apr. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'linear regression.' 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

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of linear regression was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near linear regression

Cite this Entry

“Linear regression.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear%20regression. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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