variance --This statistic (s 2 ) is one measure of how the sample values 

 are distributed about the sample mean. It is calculated by: 



n - 1 



X - the deviation of the sample value from the sample mean (x - X w ) 

 n - the number of sample values. 



variable--In biostatistics, a property with respect to which individuals 

 in a sample differ in some ascertainable way. If the variable is 

 measurable it may be referred to as a parameter (see parameter) . 



variate — A single measurement, score, or observation of a variable. 



wave gage- -An instrument for measuring periodic fluctuations in water 

 level with periods in the order of seconds. 



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