Definition: inference

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

inference
     n : the reasoning involved in making a logical judgment on the
         basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions
         rather than on the basis of direct observation [syn: illation]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Inference \In"fer*ence\, n. [From Infer.]
   1. The act or process of inferring by deduction or induction.

            Though it may chance to be right in the conclusions,
            it is yet unjust and mistaken in the method of
            inference.                            --Glanvill.

   2. That which inferred; a truth or proposition drawn from
      another which is admitted or supposed to be true; a
      conclusion; a deduction. --Milton.

            These inferences, or conclusions, are the effects of
            reasoning, and the three propositions, taken all
            together, are called syllogism, or argument. --I.
                                                  Watts.

   Syn: Conclusion; deduction; consequence.

   Usage: Inference, Conclusion. An inference is literally
          that which is brought in; and hence, a deduction or
          induction from premises, -- something which follows as
          certainly or probably true. A conclusion is stronger
          than an inference; it shuts us up to the result, and
          terminates inquiry. We infer what is particular or
          probable; we conclude what is certain. In a chain of
          reasoning we have many inferences, which lead to the
          ultimate conclusion. ``An inference is a proposition
          which is perceived to be true, because of its
          connection with some known fact.'' ``When something is
          simply affirmed to be true, it is called a
          proposition; after it has been found to be true by
          several reasons or arguments, it is called a
          conclusion.'' --I. Taylor.

Source: The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (2003-OCT-10) 

inference

   <logic> The logical process by which new facts are derived
   from known facts by the application of inference rules.

   See also symbolic inference, type inference.

   (1995-03-20)