parameter

/pəˈræmədər/

/pəˈræmɪtə/

Other forms: parameters

A parameter is a limit. In mathematics a parameter is a constant in an equation, but parameter isn’t just for math anymore: now any system can have parameters that define its operation. You can set parameters for your class debate.

Parameter comes from a combination of the Greek word para-, meaning “beside,” and metron, meaning “measure.” The natural world sets certain parameters, like gravity and time. In court, the law defines the parameters of legal behavior. Parameter and perimeter are similar, but a perimeter is the physical distance around an object, while a parameter can contain or define something either physically or abstractly.

Definitions of parameter

1. noun

   a constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves
   synonyms: parametric quantity

   types:

   degree of freedom

   one of the minimum number of parameters needed to describe the state of a physical system

   type of:

   constant, constant quantity, invariable

   a quantity that does not vary
2. noun

   any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance
   type of:

   factor

   anything that contributes causally to a result
3. noun

   (computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program
   synonyms: argument

   type of:

   value

   a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

   address, computer address, reference

   (computer science) the code that identifies where a piece of information is stored
4. noun

   a quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data
   type of:

   quantity

   the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable