Parameters: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

At position #2,119, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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