Parameter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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parameter
[pəˈræmɪtər ]
Definitions
mathematics
A quantity or constant whose value varies with other variables or circumstances.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parameter |
Used in technical or scientific contexts to refer to a measurable or definable characteristic that can vary and affect the outcome of an experiment or system.
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| variable |
Primarily used in mathematics, statistics, and science to refer to an element, feature, or factor that is liable to change or vary; in programming, it represents storage locations with a changeable value.
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| factor |
Used when referring to a contributing cause or influence that affects a result or outcome; commonly used in discussions about conditions, circumstances, or influences.
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| element |
Used to refer to a fundamental or essential part of a larger whole, often employed in various fields such as chemistry, design, or general descriptions.
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Examples of usage
- The parameter a in the equation y = ax + b represents the slope of the line.
- In statistics, the parameter of a normal distribution is its mean and standard deviation.
computing
A piece of data passed to a subroutine or function for use as an argument.
Synonyms
argument, input, value.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parameter |
Used primarily in technical fields such as mathematics, statistics, and computer science to refer to a fixed element that helps to define or control a system or set conditions.
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| argument |
Commonly used in discussions about logic, philosophy, and computer programming. In the context of programming, it refers to the data you pass into a function. When used in everyday language, it describes a reason or explanation given to support an idea or viewpoint.
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| value |
Used in a wide range of contexts to describe the numerical amount, importance, or usefulness of something. In programming, it refers to the data assigned to a variable.
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| input |
Often used in technology and everyday contexts to describe information or data provided to a system or conversation. It conveys the idea of receiving information or feedback for further processing.
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Examples of usage
- The function takes two parameters, radius and height, to calculate the volume of a cylinder.
- In programming, parameters are used to customize the behavior of functions.
linguistics
A linguistic element that contributes to the meaning of a sentence.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| parameter |
Used in scientific, mathematical, and technical contexts to describe a numerical or measurable factor that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation.
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| element |
Used to describe a basic part of something more complex, can be used in various fields like chemistry, design, or general discussion.
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| component |
Refers to a part or element of a larger system or machine, often used in engineering and technology.
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| part |
A general term that can be used in numerous contexts to describe a piece of something bigger, often used in everyday conversation.
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Examples of usage
- In the sentence 'She runs quickly,' 'quickly' is an adverbial parameter.
- Adjectives and adverbs are common parameters in language.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In math, parameters help define equations and functions, acting as variables that can change.
- They are crucial in functions, allowing for different outcomes based on their values.
- Graphing equations often involves changing parameters to see how the graph's shape or position shifts.
Science
- Parameters play a key role in experiments, setting boundaries for variables to ensure valid results.
- In biology, parameters might define the conditions necessary for a species to thrive in an ecosystem.
- Physics uses parameters to describe systems, helping predict behaviors of materials under different forces.
Technology
- In programming, parameters are essential for functions; they determine what information is needed to execute properly.
- Software applications often have adjustable parameters to customize user experiences.
- Algorithms work within defined parameters to optimize search results or data processing.
Psychology
- In research studies, parameters help set the population or sample size, vital for accurate interpretations.
- Therapeutic settings can involve parameters that guide the boundaries of therapy, ensuring safety.
- Cognitive frameworks often use parameters to shape how we perceive and interpret information.
Origin of 'parameter'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from Greek, combining 'para' meaning 'beside' and 'metron' meaning 'measure'.
- It entered the English language in the 19th century, initially used in mathematics.
- In early uses, it referred to a limiting factor or boundary in various contexts.
The word 'parameter' originates from the Greek word 'parametros', which means 'alongside' or 'around'. It was first used in the field of mathematics to describe a variable that determines the characteristics of a system. Over time, the term has been adopted in various fields such as computing, linguistics, and statistics, with each discipline giving it a unique interpretation.