noun

statistic

A numerical fact or measure derived from data.

This statistic shows how many residents use public transportation daily.

Etymology

The field-name originally concerned facts about states and their populations. It broadened into numerical analysis, with statistic naming an individual numerical result.

More examples

  • We compare crime statistics across several neighborhoods.
  • The average waiting time is the clinic's most useful statistic.
  • One alarming statistic in the report concerns childhood hunger.

Forms

statistic · statistics

statistical adjective — Relating to data collection and numerical analysis.

statistician noun — A specialist in collecting and analyzing data.

Similar words

figure
A numerical amount, not necessarily calculated from collected data.
metric
A defined measure used to track performance or progress.