Gaussian noise

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Gaussian noise is noise that has a probability density function (abbreviated pdf) of the normal distribution (also known as Gaussian distribution). In other words, the values that the noise can take on are Gaussian distributed. It is most commonly used as additive white noise to yield additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN).

[edit] Explanation

Gaussian noise is properly defined as noise with a Gaussian amplitude distribution. This says nothing of the correlation of the noise in time or of the spectral density of the noise. Labeling Gaussian noise as 'white' describes the correlation of the noise. It is necessary to use the term "white Gaussian noise" to be correct. Gaussian noise is sometimes misunderstood to be white Gaussian noise, but this is not the case.