Source : WordNet®

sampling
     n 1: (statistics) the selection of a suitable sample for study
     2: items selected at random from a population and used to test
        hypotheses about the population [syn: {sample distribution},
         {sample}]
     3: measurement at regular intervals of the amplitude of a
        varying waveform (in order to convert it to digital form)

Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

sampling
     
         The process of taking a {sample} of a signal at evenly
        spaced intervals of time.  This is the first step in {Digital
        Signal Processing}.
     
        (2001-06-06)