QCD-inspired description of multiplicity distributions in jets

Abstract: We suggest a universal QCD-motivated expression for the Polyakov-KNO multiplicity distributions of hadrons in jets and compare it with data from $e^+e^-$ annihilation experiments. The moments and overall shape of the distributions in full events and quark and gluon jets, over a range of energies, are described with reasonable quantitative precision. In particular, the scaling violation predicted by QCD is seen clearly in the moments and high-multiplicity fluctuations.