ergodic

adjective

er·​go·​dic (ˌ)ər-ˈgä-dik How to pronounce ergodic (audio) -ˈgō- How to pronounce ergodic (audio)
1
: of or relating to a process in which every sequence or sizable sample is equally representative of the whole (as in regard to a statistical parameter)
2
: involving or relating to the probability that any state will recur
especially : having zero probability that any state will never recur
ergodicity
ˌər-gə-ˈdi-sə-tē How to pronounce ergodic (audio)
noun

Examples of ergodic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But others saw the promise of the connection between ergodic theory and combinatorics. — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2022 That system is non-ergodic. — Evan Coopersmith, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary erg- + -ode

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ergodic was in 1926

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Cite this Entry

“Ergodic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ergodic. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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