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Glite Dictionary
stochastic variable

stochastic variable

9.1
A number that can take different values by chance, for example a dice roll outcome
  • noun
  • /stəˈkæs.tɪk ˈvɛr.ɪ.bəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : variable estocástica
  • Over-indebtedness and individual lifetime in OLG are stochastic variables. (25 introduced dynamic programming with stochastic variables in optimal control problems.)

Examples

  • On the other hand, if, if we have dependence on on stochastic variables, then we have we have to have more terms.

  • In an effort to make stochastic variables a function of actual relationships in the industry, an analysis of historical price and landing trends for Gulf shrimp vessels was conducted.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Over-indebtedness and individual lifetime in OLG are stochastic variables. (25 introduced dynamic programming with stochastic variables in optimal control problems.)

    Academic text (2018)

  • In this experiment, the results are determined by a stochastic variable that reflects random outcomes.

  • The scientist modeled the population growth using a stochastic variable to account for the unpredictable birth rates.

  • When analyzing stock prices, a stochastic variable is used to represent the uncertain future values.

Synonyms

variant
vsstochastic variable
  • Specialized
5 6.1

A number or value that can change between cases

is limited to outcomes of unpredictable processes rather than any changing value
random variable
vsstochastic variable
  • Specialized
2 6.8

A number that can have different values by chance, with a known chance for each value

describes outcomes of an unpredictable phenomenon without stressing distribution
variate
vsstochastic variable
  • Specialized
9.9

A number or value that can change by chance

is the general mathematical term for quantities driven by unpredictability
chance variable
vsstochastic variable
  • Specialized
7.9

A number that takes different values by chance in statistics to show random results

is the broader technical label for outcomes of unpredictable phenomena

How Random

stochastic variable
  • Specialized
9.1
deterministic
  • Specialized
8 7.7
constant quantity
  • Specialized
4.1

Surface Forms

stochastic variable singular
stochastic variables plural

Morphology

stochastic + variable

The meaning is directly composed from 'stochastic' (involving randomness) and 'variable' (something that can take values), so the phrase denotes a variable governed by chance. This adjective+noun combination follows regular compositional semantics and has clear parallels in many languages, so a learner who knows both constituents will understand the MWE.

Etymology

Stochastic variable comes from an old Greek word behind stochastic that meant 'to aim' or 'guess', so picture throwing a dart at a target: you can try to aim but the exact landing spot is not certain. That's why a stochastic variable is a variable whose value comes from 'chance' and can change each time an experiment or event happens.