pa·ram·e·ter (p -r m  -tr)n. 1. Mathematics a. A constant in an equation that varies in other equations of the same general form, especially such a constant in the equation of a curve or surface that can be varied to represent a family of curves or surfaces. b. One of a set of independent variables that express the coordinates of a point. 2. a. One of a set of measurable factors, such as temperature and pressure, that define a system and determine its behavior and are varied in an experiment. b. Usage Problem A factor that restricts what is possible or what results: "all the parameters of shelter  where people will live, what mode of housing they will choose, and how they will pay for it" (New York).c. A factor that determines a range of variations; a boundary: an experimental school that keeps expanding the parameters of its curriculum. 3. Statistics A quantity, such as a mean, that is calculated from data and describes a population. 4. Usage Problem A distinguishing characteristic or feature. [New Latin parametrum, a line through the focus and parallel to the directrix of a conic : Greek para-, beside; see para-1 + Greek metron, measure; see -meter.] par  a·metric (pr-m trk), para·metri·cal adj.par a·metri·cal·ly adv.Usage Note: The term parameter, which originates in mathematics, has a number of specific meanings in fields such as astronomy, electricity, crystallography, and statistics. Perhaps because of its ring of technical authority, it has been used more generally in recent years to refer to any factor that determines a range of variations and especially to a factor that restricts what can result from a process or policy. In this use it often comes close to meaning "a limit or boundary." Some of these new uses have a clear connection to the technical senses of the word. For example, the provisions of a zoning ordinance that limit the height or density of new construction can be reasonably likened to mathematical parameters that establish the limits of other variables. Therefore one can say The zoning commission announced new planning parameters for the historic Lamping district of the city. But other uses go one step further and treat parameter as a high-toned synonym for characteristic. Eighty percent of Panelists reject this use of parameter in the example The Judeo-Christian ethic is one of the important parameters of Western culture. · Some of the difficulties with the nontechnical use of parameter appear to arise from its resemblance to the word perimeter, with which it shares the sense "limit," though the precise meanings of the two words differ. This confusion probably explains the use of parameter in a sentence such as U.S. forces report that the parameters of the mine area in the Gulf are fairly well established, where the word perimeter would have expressed the intended sense more exactly. This example of a use of parameter was unacceptable to 61 percent of the Usage Panel. |
parameter [pəˈræmɪtə]
n
1. (Mathematics) one of a number of auxiliary variables in terms of which all the variables in an implicit functional relationship can be explicitly expressed See parametric equations
2. (Mathematics) a variable whose behaviour is not being considered and which may for present purposes be regarded as a constant, as y in the partial derivative ∂f(x,y)/∂x
3. (Mathematics & Measurements / Statistics) Statistics a characteristic of the distribution of a population, such as its mean, as distinct from that of a sample Compare statistic
4. Informal any constant or limiting factor a designer must work within the parameters of budget and practicality
[from New Latin; see para-1, -meter]
parametric [ˌpærəˈmɛtrɪk], parametrical adj
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | parameter - a constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves degree of freedom - one of the minimum number of parameters needed to describe the state of a physical system |
| 2. | parameter - any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance factor - anything that contributes causally to a result; "a number of factors determined the outcome" | |
| 3. | parameter - (computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program value - a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed; "the value assigned was 16 milliseconds" computer science, computing - the branch of engineering science that studies (with the aid of computers) computable processes and structures address, computer address, reference - (computer science) the code that identifies where a piece of information is stored | |
| 4. | parameter - a quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data quantity - the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable |
parameter
noun (Informal) (usually plural) limit, constant, restriction, guideline, criterion, framework, limitation, specification We have to define the basic parameters within which we want to operate.
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