Simple question about certainty/confidence in astronomy

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In this statement:

"[WMAP data suggest] a lower limit on reionization of z > 6.7 with 3[itex]\sigma[/itex] confidence."

What is the meaning the of the 3-sigma part in this context? See also my other thread here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=261118

Based on the responses there, I still don't quite understand what this sigma business is all about.
 
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