semiparametric statistics

semiparametric statistics /sem′ē·par′ə·met′rik/ [L, semi, half + Gk, para, to, at, or from the side of + metron, measure] , statistical methodology that combines both parametric and nonparametric elements. It is used for estimating population parameters when a function is unknown (e.g., the distribution function of a random variable that has not been observed).