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bias

 - 7 dictionary results

bi⋅as

  [bahy-uhs] noun, adjective, adverb, verb, bi⋅ased, bi⋅as⋅ing or (especially British) bi⋅assed, bi⋅as⋅sing.
Use bias in a Sentence
–noun
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. Statistics. a systematic as opposed to a random distortion of a statistic as a result of sampling procedure.
4. Lawn Bowling.
a. a slight bulge or greater weight on one side of the ball or bowl.
b. the curved course made by such a ball when rolled.
5. Electronics. the application of a steady voltage or current to an active device, as a diode or transistor, to produce a desired mode of operation.
6. a high-frequency alternating current applied to the recording head of a tape recorder during recording in order to reduce distortion.
–adjective
7. cut, set, folded, etc., diagonally: This material requires a bias cut.
–adverb
8. in a diagonal manner; obliquely; slantingly: to cut material bias.
–verb (used with object)
9. to cause partiality or favoritism in (a person); influence, esp. unfairly: a tearful plea designed to bias the jury.
10. Electronics. to apply a steady voltage or current to (the input of an active device).
—Idiom
11. on the bias,
a. in the diagonal direction of the cloth.
b. out of line; slanting.
Origin:
1520–30; < MF biais oblique < OPr, prob. < VL *(e)bigassius < Gk epikársios oblique, equiv. to epi- epi- + -karsios oblique

Synonyms:
2. predisposition, preconception, predilection, partiality, proclivity; bent, leaning. Bias, prejudice mean a strong inclination of the mind or a preconceived opinion about something or someone. A bias may be favorable or unfavorable: bias in favor of or against an idea. Prejudice implies a preformed judgment even more unreasoning than bias, and usually implies an unfavorable opinion: prejudice against a race. 9. predispose, bend, incline, dispose.

Antonyms:
2. impartiality.

Bi⋅as

  [bahy-uhs]
–noun
fl. 570 b.c., Greek philosopher, born in Ionia.

Bi⋅a

  [bahy-uh]
–noun
the ancient Greek personification of force: daughter of Pallas and Styx and sister of Cratus, Nike, and Zelos.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To bias
bi·as   (bī'əs)   
n.  

  1. A line going diagonally across the grain of fabric: Cut the cloth on the bias.

    1. A preference or an inclination, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment.

    2. An unfair act or policy stemming from prejudice.

    3. A weight or irregularity in a ball that causes it to swerve, as in lawn bowling.

    4. The tendency of such a ball to swerve.

  3. A statistical sampling or testing error caused by systematically favoring some outcomes over others.

  4. Sports

    1. A weight or irregularity in a ball that causes it to swerve, as in lawn bowling.

    2. The tendency of such a ball to swerve.

  5. The fixed voltage applied to an electrode.

adj.  Slanting or diagonal; oblique: a bias fold.
tr.v.   bi·ased or bi·assed, bi·as·ing or bi·as·sing, bi·as·es or bi·as·ses

  1. To influence in a particular, typically unfair direction; prejudice.

  2. To apply a small voltage to (a grid).


[French biais, slant, from Provençal, perhaps ultimately from Greek epikarsios, slanted; see sker-1 in Indo-European roots.]
Synonyms: These verbs mean to influence unfavorably or detrimentally: His experiences biased his outlook. Your misbehavior has colored my opinion of you. Dishonest leaders have jaundiced her view of politics. Lying has prejudiced the public against them. Bitterness has warped your judgment. See Also Synonyms at incline, predilection.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

bias 
1530, from M.Fr. biasis "slant, oblique," from O.Prov. biais, possibly from V.L. *(e)bigassius, from Gk. epikarsios "slanting, oblique," from epi- "upon" + karsios "oblique." Transferred sense of "predisposition, prejudice" is from 1572.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: BIA
Function: abbreviation
Bureau of Indian Affairs —see also the IMPORTANT AGENCIES section

Main Entry: bi·as
Pronunciation: 'bI-&s
Function: noun
: a personal and often unreasoned judgment for or against one side in a dispute : PREJUDICE bias>
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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