bias

A bias is defined as a line sewn or cut diagonally across fabric.

(noun)

An example of bias is cutting a skirt on the diagonal so that it flows freely when worn.

Bias is a tendency to mentally lean in a certain direction.

(noun)

An example of bias is a democrat preferring "leftist" ideals.

The definition of bias is something that is diagonal or slanting.

(adjective)

An example of bias is a fold in a fabric dinner napkin.

See bias in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. biases

a line, cut or sewn diagonally across the weave of cloth, as in making seams, binding tape, etc.
a mental leaning or inclination; partiality; bent
Lawn Bowling
1. the bulge in the side of the ball (the bowl) that causes it to roll in a curve
2. this curve or tendency to curve
3. the force causing this
Electronics a high-frequency signal or tone added to a tape during the recording process so as to reduce distortion and increase frequency response
Radio the fixed voltage applied to an electrode circuit to control the mode of operation, usually measured with the cathode voltage as reference
Statistics any systematic error contributing to the difference between statistical values in a population and a sample drawn from it

Origin: MFr biais, a slope, slant < OFr < OProv < ?

adjective

slanting; diagonal

adverb

See bias in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A line going diagonally across the grain of fabric: Cut the cloth on the bias.
a. A preference or an inclination, especially one that inhibits impartial judgment.
b. An unfair act or policy stemming from prejudice.
A statistical sampling or testing error caused by systematically favoring some outcomes over others.
Sports
a. A weight or irregularity in a ball that causes it to swerve, as in lawn bowling.
b. The tendency of such a ball to swerve.
The fixed voltage applied to an electrode.

adjective

Slanting or diagonal; oblique: a bias fold.

transitive verb bi·ased or bi·assed, bi·as·ing or bi·as·sing, bi·as·es or bi·as·ses