Sigma: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ”ข
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sigma

 

[ หˆsษชษกmษ™ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics symbol

Sigma (ฮฃ, ฯƒ) is a letter of the Greek alphabet and represents a summation operator in mathematics. It is used primarily to indicate the sum of a sequence of numbers. The use of sigma in mathematical contexts often denotes the total or cumulative sum of a set of values, typically represented by a series. In addition to mathematics, sigma is also used in statistics to denote the standard deviation of a population. The uppercase form ฮฃ is frequently used in summation notation, while the lowercase form ฯƒ is used in various statistical formulas.

Synonyms

sum, summation, total

Examples of usage

  • We calculated the total using the sigma notation.
  • The sigma symbol represents the sum of the series.
  • In statistics, sigma often indicates variation.
  • The formula includes a sigma for clarity.
Context #2 | Noun

business term

In business contexts, sigma refers to a measure of quality or performance. The concept of Six Sigma is instrumental in quality management and process improvement methodologies. It aims to reduce defects and improve processes by identifying and removing causes of errors. Six Sigma utilizes various quality management tools and techniques to enhance overall efficiency. The term signifies striving for near perfection in processes.

Synonyms

performance measure, quality control

Examples of usage

  • Our organization has adopted Six Sigma methodologies.
  • He is a certified Six Sigma black belt.
  • Six Sigma helps in minimizing defects.
  • The project aims to achieve Sigma quality levels.

Translations

Translations of the word "sigma" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sigma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคฟเค—เฅเคฎเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sigma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sigma

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธะณะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sigma

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใ‚ฐใƒž

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sigma

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sigma

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sigma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹œ๊ทธ๋งˆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูŠุบู…ุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sigma

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sigma

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฅฟๆ ผ็Ž›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sigma

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sigma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะธะณะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒ’แƒ›แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sigma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sigma

Etymology

The term 'sigma' originates from the Greek alphabet, where it serves as the 18th letter. Its lower case form, 'ฯƒ', has historically been used in mathematics and statistics since ancient times. The letter has evolved into a symbol representing summation in mathematics during the late 19th century, largely due to the influence of mathematicians such as Leonhard Euler, who popularized its use. The application of 'sigma' in the realm of quality management emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly with the development of the Six Sigma methodology in the 1980s by Motorola. This approach focused on reducing defects and enhancing process efficiency across various industries. Over time, 'sigma' has taken on further significance in various fields, symbolizing not just mathematical concepts but diverse performance metrics in business and quality control.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,820, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.