stochastic

adjective

sto·​chas·​tic stə-ˈka-stik How to pronounce stochastic (audio) stō- How to pronounce stochastic (audio)
1
: random
specifically : involving a random variable
a stochastic process
2
: involving chance or probability : probabilistic
a stochastic model of radiation-induced mutation
stochastically adverb

Examples of stochastic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Clarke said stochastic terrorism, however, is complex, because those who peddle conspiracy theories and incendiary narratives often deny any relation to violence that may follow. Odette Yousef, NPR, 17 Sep. 2024 Headwind for months The monthly chart shows that long-term overbought conditions are in place for AAPL per the stochastic oscillator. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 16 Sep. 2024 Starting in 1981, key inventions during its development at Lucasfilm and Pixar included shading languages, stochastic antialiasing, and simulation of motion blur, depth of field, and penumbras. IEEE Spectrum, 21 Mar. 2024 Everyday computers can solve stochastic problems, but implementing probabilistic noise in software quickly gets very costly. IEEE Spectrum, 8 Dec. 2022 See all Example Sentences for stochastic 

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

Word History

Etymology

Greek stochastikos skillful in aiming, from stochazesthai to aim at, guess at, from stochos target, aim, guess — more at sting

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stochastic was in 1934

Dictionary Entries Near stochastic

Cite this Entry

“Stochastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stochastic. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

stochastic

adjective
sto·​chas·​tic stə-ˈkas-tik How to pronounce stochastic (audio) stō- How to pronounce stochastic (audio)
1
: involving a random variable
a stochastic process
2
: involving chance or probability
a stochastic model of radiation-induced mutation
stochastically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on stochastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!