A person or mathematical function that calculates approximate values or costs. In construction, an estimator determines project costs; in statistics, it's a method for inferring population parameters from sample data.
From Latin aestimare meaning 'to value, appraise,' combined with the agent suffix -ator. The Latin root possibly derives from aes (bronze, money) since early valuations often involved metal currency. The English term developed in the 16th century, with specialized statistical meanings emerging in the 20th century.
Try Another Word