Clustering
/ˈklʌstəriŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of grouping things together based on similarity.
/ˈklʌstəriŋ/
The action or process of grouping together.
The students were surprised by the clustering of similar answers on the test.
💡 Simply: Clustering is like sorting toys into boxes based on what they are. All the cars go in one box, all the blocks in another, and so on.
👶 For kids: Putting things that are the same together.
More Examples
The map shows the clustering of population density in urban areas.
How It's Used
"The algorithm performed data clustering to identify distinct customer segments."
"The observation revealed a new clustering of galaxies."
To gather or come together in a group or cluster.
/ˈklʌstəriŋ/
To form into clusters or groups.
The sheep were clustering together for warmth.
💡 Simply: Clustering is when lots of things come together to form a group, like birds flying in a flock.
👶 For kids: Coming together in a group.
More Examples
The data points clustered around the mean.
How It's Used
"The cells clustered together to form a tissue."
"The storm clouds were clustering over the mountains."
From "cluster" + "-ing", ultimately from Old English *clyster, related to Old High German *clustar. The word developed to describe grouping together.
Historically, the word "cluster" had a more literal meaning, referring to bunches of grapes or similar objects. The usage related to data analysis is more modern.
Memory tip
Imagine grapes clustered on a vine – that's clustering!