independent variable

noun

|Updated on: 28 May 2018

Definition of independent variable

: a mathematical variable that is independent of the other variables in an expression or function and whose value determines one or more of the values of the other variables

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Recent Examples of independent variable from the Web

But since the league tables themselves are one of its main determinants, reputation is not an obviously independent variable.

— The Economist, "How global university rankings are changing higher education," 17 May 2018
Whatever variation remains driven by independent variables of interest suggests a protest vote.

— elizabeth r. nugent, Washington Post, "How did voters register their protest in Egypt’s presidential election?," 16 Apr. 2018
The only real deficit comes on the glass; the defensive rebounding issues that plagued Atlanta for years followed Horford to Boston, isolating the independent variable involved.

— ben golliver and rob mahoney, SI.com, "Top 100 NBA Players of 2018: Nos. 30-11," 13 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'independent variable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.