representative sample

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.R05303
A sample resulting from a sampling plan that can be expected to adequately reflect the properties of interest of the parent population. A representative sample may be a @R05129@ or, for example, a @S06040@, depending upon the objective of sampling and the characteristics of the population. The degree of representativeness of the sample may be limited by cost or convenience.
Source:
PAC, 1990, 62, 1193. (Nomenclature for sampling in analytical chemistry (Recommendations 1990)) on page 1202 [Terms] [Paper]