waymeans

Waymeans is a term that appears in discussions of generalized averaging, used to denote a family of aggregation operations that select a particular method for combining numbers. In this sense, waymeans refer to the idea of choosing a "way" to compute a mean, rather than a single fixed procedure. The term is not universally standardized and may be used informally in different fields.

Conceptually, a waymean describes a mean produced by a specific scheme of transformation and combination of data values. A common approach is to apply a data-dependent transformation, combine the transformed values through a weighted procedure, and, in some formulations, apply an inverse transformation. The emphasis is on how the weights or the transformation encode sensitivity to certain values, such as outliers or skewness. Because of this flexibility, waymeans can encompass several widely used means as special cases.

In practice, various authors relate waymeans to established concepts such as weighted means, power means, or quasi-arithmetic means. By varying the weighting function or the transformation, different means can be obtained, enabling a continuum between arithmetic, geometric, and harmonic means, among others. This framework is used in statistics, data analysis, and decision-making contexts where the choice of averaging method affects results.

Notes on usage: the term waymeans is sometimes encountered as a shorthand for generalized or weighted means rather than as a formally defined, universally adopted concept. When encountered in literature, it is advisable to consult the source for the exact definition and the intended class of means.