mean

Simple or arithmetic average of a range of values or quantities, computed by dividing the total of all values by the number of values. For example, the mean of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 is (15 ÷ 5) = 3. It is the most common and best general purpose measure of the mid-point (around which all other values cluster) of a set of values, but is prone to distortion by the presence of extreme values and may require use of a measure of distortion (such as mean deviation or standard deviation). See also median and mode.

When the U.S. dollar is weak, U.S. manufacturers have a competitive advantage -- they don't have to lower prices on exports to boost sales and capture market share overseas. Just by keeping prices steady, they benefit because the weak dollar means foreign buyers won't have to pay as much in their respective currencies. The profit margin on each unit is constant, so earnings go up. (from November 2004)

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