percentile

A value below which a particular percentage of an ordered set of results falls.

• His score reached the ninetieth percentile.
• The fiftieth percentile is the median.
• What value marks the tenth percentile?

How to use it: at the nth percentile (Her height is at the ninetieth percentile.)

Common phrases: percentile rank, ninetieth percentile, percentile value

One of a hundred equal groups formed by arranging people or results from lowest to highest.

• She is in the top percentile.
• People in this income percentile earn much less.
• The bottom percentile includes the lowest scores.

How to use it: in the nth percentile (The students in the top percentile received prizes.)

Common phrases: top percentile, bottom percentile, income percentile