Talk:Histogram/Archives/2014

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Is the word bin truly an abbreviation for binary, in this context?

At the time of this writing, the article includes the following statement:

"To construct a histogram, the first step is to "bin" (standing for Binary) the range of values ... ."

Bin is an Old English word. The meaning of the word bin (without reference to binary) aligns precisely with the way in which the word bin is used in describing the creation of a histogram. For example, consider bins containing different sizes of nails in a hardware store, or grain bins. Any number of bins can be used in creating a histogram. Is there support for stating that the word bin in the context of a histogram necessarily comes from the word binary? Mecanoge (talk) 15:18, 23 November 2014 (UTC)

I agree; 'bin' here is a mathematical use of the word not that far removed from the English one. I've removed the misleading parenthetical addition.--JohnBlackburnewordsdeeds 15:41, 23 November 2014 (UTC)