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Bench reference · 254 terms

Words worth knowing

Start with the plain-language meaning, then reach for the technical definition when you need precision.

Showing 1 term

Drift

Also: accumulated error

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In plain language

A gradual departure from the true or desired value over time.

Technical definition

Persistent bias integrated through a model produces unbounded or growing state error unless corrected by an external reference.

Example A 0.01 m/s velocity bias accumulates 0.6 m of position error in 60 s.

Common misconception A smooth estimate can drift badly; visual smoothness is not accuracy.