dependent variable
noun
: a mathematical variable whose value is determined by that of one or more other variables in a function
Examples of dependent variable in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The alleles serve as independent variables which can predict the probable outcome of the dependent variable, the probability of FSGS or H-ESKD in this case (renal failure).
—
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2010
Trial duration was 60 sec, intertrial interval was 24 hr, and the dependent variable was rate of tongue flicking (a measure of chemosensory investigation).
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2013
In this case, the dependent variable happens to be the pattern of genetic variation, the single nucelotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2011
The amount of time that passed before an employee approached and acknowledged the confederate served as the dependent variable.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2014
The presence versus absence of smile was the dependent variable.
—Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2011
Vaccine uptake is the dependent variable and trust in EU institutions is the independent variable.
—Lutz Finger, Forbes, 6 May 2021
But hoarding is a dependent variable, as the economists would say, while the independent variable, that is, the factor causing the hoarding, was supply uncertainty or more prosaically, fear.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021
By making the level of interest rates a dependent variable, Volcker bought himself a little political cover.
—Roger Lowenstein, Washington Post, 10 Dec. 2019
See More
Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2010
Trial duration was 60 sec, intertrial interval was 24 hr, and the dependent variable was rate of tongue flicking (a measure of chemosensory investigation).
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2013
In this case, the dependent variable happens to be the pattern of genetic variation, the single nucelotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
—Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2011
The amount of time that passed before an employee approached and acknowledged the confederate served as the dependent variable.
—Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2014
The presence versus absence of smile was the dependent variable.
—Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2011
Vaccine uptake is the dependent variable and trust in EU institutions is the independent variable.
—Lutz Finger, Forbes, 6 May 2021
But hoarding is a dependent variable, as the economists would say, while the independent variable, that is, the factor causing the hoarding, was supply uncertainty or more prosaically, fear.
—Michael Lynch, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021
By making the level of interest rates a dependent variable, Volcker bought himself a little political cover.
—Roger Lowenstein, Washington Post, 10 Dec. 2019
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dependent variable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1852, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of dependent variable was
circa 1852
Dictionary Entries Near dependent variable
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“Dependent variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependent%20variable. Accessed 29 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
dependent variable
noun
: mathematical variable whose value is determined by that of one or more other variables in a function compare independent variable
More from Merriam-Webster on dependent variable
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