sampling

The process or technique of obtaining a representative sample.

A sample.

(statistics) The analysis of a group by determining the characteristics of a significant percentage of its members chosen at random.

(signal processing) The measurement, at regular intervals, of the amplitude of a varying waveform in order to convert it to digital form.

(music) Electronically splicing pieces of previously recorded sound as part of a composition, especially as part of hip-hop or electronic dance music.