random

  1. Noun.  (obsolete) Speed, full speed; impetuosity, force. (defdate, 14th-17th c.) .
  2. Noun.  (obsolete) The full range of a bullet or other projectile; hence, the angle at which a weapon is tilted to allow the greatest range. (defdate, 16th-19th c.) .
  3. Noun.  (figuratively, colloquial) An undefined, unknown or unimportant person; a person of no consequence. (defdate, from 20th c.) .
  4. Adjective.  Having unpredictable outcomes and, in the ideal case, all outcomes equally probable; resulting from such selection; lacking statistical correlation.
  5. Adjective.  (mathematics) Of or relating to probability distribution.
  6. Adjective.  (computing) Pseudorandom in contrast to truly random; mimicking the result of random selection.
  7. Adjective.  (context, somewhat colloquial) Representative and undistinguished; typical and average; selected for no particular reason.
  8. Adjective.  (context, somewhat colloquial) Apropos of nothing; lacking context; unexpected; having apparent lack of plan, cause(,) or reason.
  9. Adjective.  (context, colloquial) Characterized by or often saying ''random'' things; habitually using non sequiturs.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.