Definitions for "Maximum Likelihood"
Maximum Likelihood is a method by which parameters of a statistical model can be calculated, in such a way as to maximise the likelihood that the observed data could have occurred. Contrast with Method of Moments.
Phylogenetic method that gives an estimation of the likelihood of a particular tree given a certain model of nucleotide substitution. Advantage is that it is based on a specific model of sequence evolution; gives a probability at each internode; and, the complete nucleotide sequnce is used. Disadvantage is that this method takes a long time to compute (relative to other methods).
A statistical method of estimation.