| bias | <statistics> In a clinical trial, bias refers to effects that a conclusion that may be incorrect as, for example, when a researcher or patient knows what treatment is being given. To avoid bias, a blinded study may be done. Any deviation of results or inferences from the truth, or processes leading to such deviation. Bias can result from several sources: one-sided or systematic variations in measurement from the true value (systematic error); flaws in study design; deviation of inferences, interpretations, or analyses based on flawed data or data collection; etc. There is no sense of prejudice or subjectivity implied in the assessment of bias under these conditions. (27 Jun 1999) |
|---|---|
| biasterionic | Relating to both asterions, especially the biasterionic diameter, or biasterionic width, the shortest distance from one asterion to the other. (05 Mar 2000) |
| biauricular | Relating to both auricles, in any sense. (05 Mar 2000) |
| biauricular axis | A straight line joining the two auricles. Compare: auriculare. (05 Mar 2000) |
| biauriculate | 1. <anatomy> Having two auricles, as the heart of mammals, birds, and reptiles. 2. <botany> Having two earlike projections at its base, as a leaf. Origin: Pref. Bi- + au riculate. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| biaxial | <optics> Having two axes; as, biaxial polarization. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| biaxial crystals | <microscopy> Anisotropic crystals in the orthorhombic, monoclinic and triclinic systems. They have three principal refractive indices alpha, beta, and gamma, and two isotropic directions, i.e., optic axes. Bifilar eyepiece. An ocular with two crossed hairs, wires, filaments or threads each of which has perpendicular motion. (05 Aug 1998) |
| biaxial joint | One in which there are two principal axes of movement situated at right angles to each other; e.g., saddle joint's. (05 Mar 2000) |
| bib | 1. A small piece of cloth worn by children over the breast, to protect the clothes. 2. <zoology> An arctic fish (Gadus luscus), allied to the cod; called also pout and whiting pout. 3. A bibcock. Origin: From Bib, v, because the bib receives the drink that the child slavers from the mouth. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| bibasic | <chemistry> Having to hydrogen atoms which can be replaced by positive or basic atoms or radicals to form salts; said of acids. See Dibasic. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| bible | The book composed of writings generally accepted by christians as inspired by god and of divine authority. (12 Dec 1998) |
| bibliographer | One who writes, or is versed in, bibliography. Origin: Gr, fr. Book + to write: cf. F. Bibliographe. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| bibliographic | Pertaining to bibliography, or the history of books. Origin: Cf. F. Bibliographique. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| bibliographical | Pertaining to bibliography, or the history of books. Origin: Cf. F. Bibliographique. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| bibliography | A history or description of books and manuscripts, with notices of the different editions, the times when they were printed, etc. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |