Glossary
========

.. glossary::

  accurate measurement
     A measurement with a small random error between measurements.

  normal distribution
     A continuous probability distribution for a random variable with a real value. It is also known as a Gaussian, and typically has a bell shape centered at the mean value and with the width defined by the standard deviation.

  population
     The total number of occurrences of a particular thing in a defined area.

  precise measurement
     A measurement with a small systematic error from the known value.

  random error
     Uncertainty that arises from making repeated measurements.

  representative sample
     A sample that can be used to infer the characteristics of the population.

  sample
     Material or data collected that is a subset of a much larger population. Also referred to as a *sampling unit*.

  systematic error
     Uncertainty that cannot be revealed by repeated measurements.