bias: Meaning and Definition of

bi•as

Pronunciation: (bī'us), [key]
— n., adj., adv., v., bi•ased, bi•as•ing bi•assed, bi•as•sing.
—n.
  1. an oblique or diagonal line of direction, esp. across a woven fabric.
  2. a particular tendency or inclination, esp. one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice.
  3. a systematic as opposed to a random distortion of a statistic as a result of sampling procedure.
    1. a slight bulge or greater weight on one side of the ball or bowl.
    2. the curved course made by such a ball when rolled.
  4. the application of a steady voltage or current to an active device, as a diode or transistor, to produce a desired mode of operation.
  5. a high-frequency alternating current applied to the recording head of a tape recorder during recording in order to reduce distortion.
    1. in the diagonal direction of the cloth.
    2. out of line; slanting.
—adj.
  1. cut, set, folded, etc., diagonally: This material requires a bias cut.
—adv.
  1. in a diagonal manner; obliquely; slantingly: to cut material bias.
—v.t.
  1. to cause partiality or favoritism in (a person); influence, esp. unfairly: a tearful plea designed to bias the jury.
  2. to apply a steady voltage or current to (the input of an active device).

Bi•as

Pronunciation: (bī'us), [key]
— n.
  1. fl. 570 b.c., Greek philosopher, born in Ionia.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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