(After Monte Carlo, Monaco - a notorious gambling mecca) Any
one of various methods involving statistical techniques, such
as the use of random samples, to finding the solutions to
mathematical or physical problems.
For example, to calculate pi, generate random points in the
square (x, y) = ([0-1], [0-1]) and find the proportion for
which x^2 + y^2 #@ 1, i.e. which lie within a quadant of a
circle with radius 1. Since the area of the square is 1 and
the area of the quadrant is pi/4, the proportion in the
quadrant should be pi/4.
(1995-02-23)