Definition of: statistics

(stə·tis′tiks) noun
1. Quantitative data, collectively, pertaining to any subject or group, especially when systematically gathered and collated; specifically, such data relating to a large body of people: statistics of population: construed as plural.
2. The science that deals with the collection, tabulation, and systematic classification of quantitative data, especially with reference to frequency distribution and as a basis for inference and induction respecting probable future trends: construed as singular.
—sta·tis′ti·cal adjective
—sta·tis′ti·cal·ly adverb