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random (r<acr/n"d<ucr/m), n. [OE. randon, OF. randon force, violence, rapidity,
| random | (r<acr/n"d<ucr/m), n. [OE. randon, OF. randon force, violence, rapidity, |
| random | , a. 1.
Going at random or by chance; done or made at hazard, or without settled direction, aim, or purpose; hazarded without previous calculation; left to chance; haphazard; as, a random guess.
[1913 Webster]
-Some random truths he can impart. Wordsworth.
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-So sharp a spur to the lazy, and so strong a bridle to the random. H. Spencer.
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2. (Statistics)
of, pertaining to, or resulting from a process of selection from a starting set of items, in which the probability of selecting any one object in the starting set is equal to the probability of selecting any other.
[PJC]
3. (Construction)
of unequal size or shape; made from components of unequal size or shape.
[PJC]
at random in a manner so that all possible results have an equal probability of occurrence; for processes, each possible result is counted separately although the same type of result may occur more than once . -- Random courses (Masonry), courses of stone of unequal thickness. -- Random shot, a shot not directed or aimed toward any particular object, or a shot with the muzzle of the gun much elevated. -- Random work (Masonry), stonework consisting of stones of unequal sizes fitted together, but not in courses nor always with flat beds.
[1913 Webster]
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