statistic
n. countablen. a single piece of information from a study of a large amount of numbers. It helps you understand a general fact about a group of people or things.
n. a single numerical datum derived from a sample or population, used to represent a significant fact or trend. Often used in the plural to describe the broader field of data analysis.
The latest statistic shows that more people are working from home.
The government released a new statistic indicating that unemployment has dropped to its lowest level in a decade.
While a single statistic can highlight a specific trend, researchers must examine the entire dataset to ensure the findings are not skewed by outliers.
Back-formation from statistics.
Commonly used in the plural ('statistics') when referring to the general collection of data or the field of study.
The statistics shows a rise in prices.The statistics show a rise in prices.When referring to a collection of data points, 'statistics' is plural and requires a plural verb.