DictionarylogisticS-shaped mathematical modeling
adjective

logistic

relating to mathematical models based on an S-shaped curve

A logistic model describes population growth as resources become limited.

Etymology

The Greek adjective concerns calculation. Its mathematical descendants include the logistic curve, whose S-shaped growth pattern supplies the specialized meaning here.

More examples

  • The logistic curve levels off as it approaches its upper limit.
  • Researchers use logistic regression to estimate the probability of disease.
  • We fit a logistic function to the growth data.

Forms

logistic

Similar words

sigmoidal
Describes S-shaped curves generally, not just the specific logistic curve.