parameter

pa·ram·e·ter

noun \pə-ˈram-ə-tər\

Definition of PARAMETER

1

a : an arbitrary constant whose value characterizes a member of a system (as a family of curves); also : a quantity (as a mean or variance) that describes a statistical population

b : an independent variable used to express the coordinates of a variable point and functions of them — compare parametric equation

2

: any of a set of physical properties whose values determine the characteristics or behavior of something <parameters of the atmosphere such as temperature, pressure, and density>

3

: something represented by a parameter : a characteristic element; broadly : characteristic, element, factor <political dissent as a parameter of modern life>

4

: limit, boundary —usually used in plural <the parameters of science fiction>

— para·met·ric \ˌpa-rə-ˈme-trik\ adjective

— para·met·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin of PARAMETER

New Latin, from para- + Greek metron measure — more at measure

First Known Use: 1852

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

Rhymes with PARAMETER

decameter, diameter, heptameter, hexameter, octameter, pentameter, tetrameter