trend

trend

(trend) [Old English trendan, to roll, revolve]

The inclination to proceed in a certain direction or at a certain rate; used to describe the prognosis or course of a symptom, disease, or methods of disease management.

pernicious trend

In psychology, an abnormal departure from conventional ideas and social interests.

secular trend

A long-term trend that develops or progresses over many years. The tendency for girls to begin menstruating at younger and younger ages during the twentieth century is an example.

trend

a generally consistent movement in the same direction over a long period in a time series.