indeterminate

in·de·ter·mi·nate

adj \ˌin-di-ˈtərm-nət, -ˈtər-mə-\

Definition of INDETERMINATE

1

a : not definitely or precisely determined or fixed : vague b : not known in advance c : not leading to a definite end or result

2

: having an infinite number of solutions <a system of indeterminate equations>

3

: being one of the seven undefined mathematical expressions

4

: characterized by sequential flowering from the lateral or basal buds to the central or uppermost buds; also : characterized by growth in which the main stem continues to elongate indefinitely without being limited by a terminal inflorescence — compare determinate 4

— in·de·ter·mi·nate·ly adverb

— in·de·ter·mi·nate·ness noun

— in·de·ter·mi·na·tion \-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən\ noun

Examples of INDETERMINATE

1. an indeterminate number of people

Origin of INDETERMINATE

Middle English indeterminat, from Late Latin indeterminatus, from Latin in- + determinatus, past participle of determinare to determine

First Known Use: 14th century