Parameters Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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parameters
[pəˈræmɪtərz ]
Definitions
computer science
Values that are passed to a function when it is called, in order to customize its behavior.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The function takes two parameters: x and y.
- You can adjust the output by changing the input parameters.
statistics
Quantities that define a statistical or mathematical model.
Synonyms
coefficients, factors, variables.
Examples of usage
- The parameters of the linear regression model include slope and intercept.
- We need to estimate the parameters of the distribution.
linguistics
A characteristic that is used to distinguish between different elements in a language.
Synonyms
attributes, criteria, features.
Examples of usage
- In phonology, vowel length is a parameter that affects word meaning.
- Morphological parameters determine how words are formed.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In statistics, parameters summarize characteristics of populations, like an average height.
- In biology, parameters can refer to environmental conditions that influence the growth of organisms.
- Parameters are essential in physics to define the constraints of experiments and measurements.
Technology
- In computer programming, parameters are used to define inputs for functions, determining their behavior.
- Software applications often allow users to set parameters to customize their experience, like adjusting settings.
- In data analysis, parameters help in filtering data to get more accurate insights.
Education
- In teaching, setting parameters helps manage classroom behavior and expectations.
- Parameters in educational assessments dictate the criteria for grading and evaluating student performance.
- Within curriculum design, parameters help shape learning outcomes and objectives.
Art and Literature
- Writers often set narrative parameters to create boundaries for their stories, enhancing focus and coherence.
- In visual arts, parameters like color palette and composition guide creative choices.
- Thematic parameters can influence the interpretation of a piece of literature, guiding audience understanding.
Origin of 'parameters'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek roots 'para-', meaning 'beside' or 'along', and 'metron', meaning 'measure'.
- It was first used in English in the late 19th century, primarily in mathematics and science.
- The modern use has expanded beyond science, entering everyday language in technology and management.
The word 'parameter' originated from the Greek word 'parametros', meaning 'measured by a side'. It was first used in mathematics to refer to the constant in an equation that varies in different cases. Over time, the term expanded to various fields such as computer science, statistics, and linguistics, where it is used to define specific values or characteristics. Today, parameters play a crucial role in shaping models, functions, and languages, allowing for customization and differentiation.
See also: parameterized, parametric.