A Gaussian distribution, also known as a normal distribution, is a probability distribution that is symmetric about the mean. It has a bell-shaped curve, where most of the data points cluster around the mean, and the probabilities taper off equally in both directions. This distribution is characterized by its mean (average) and standard deviation (which measures the spread of the data). Gaussian distributions are commonly found in various fields, including statistics, natural sciences, and social sciences. Many real-world phenomena, such as heights, test scores, and measurement errors, tend to follow this distribution, making it a fundamental concept in data analysis and interpretation.