analysis of variance
    n 1: a statistical method for making simultaneous comparisons
         between two or more means; a statistical method that yields
         values that can be tested to determine whether a
         significant relation exists between variables [syn:
         analysis of variance, ANOVA]

Analysis of variance \A*nal"y*sis of variance\, n. (Statistics)
   a statistical technique by which the results of an
   observation or experiment are analyzed to determine the
   relative contributions of the different possible causative
   factors or variables to the outcome. Abbreviated ANOVA.
   [PJC]