Parameter vs. Variable
Parameternoun
A value kept constant during an experiment, equation, calculation or similar, but varied over other versions of the experiment, equation, calculation, etc.
Parameternoun
(sciences) a variable that describes some system (material, object, event etc.) or some aspect thereof
Parameternoun
(programming) An input variable of a procedure definition, that gets an actual value (argument) at execution time (formal parameter).
Parameternoun
(programming) An actual value given to such a formal parameter (argument or actual parameter).
Parameternoun
A characteristic or feature that distinguishes something from others.
Parameternoun
(geometry) In the ellipse and hyperbola, a third proportional to any diameter and its conjugate, or in the parabola, to any abscissa and the corresponding ordinate.
Parameternoun
(crystallography) The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane.
Parameternoun
(crystallography) The fundamental axial ratio for a given species.
Parameternoun
A constant number which is part of a theory, function, or calculation, whose value is not determined by the form of the theory or equation itself, and may in some cases be arbitrary assigned.
Parameternoun
A term applied to some characteristic magnitude whose value, invariable as long as one and the same function, curve, surface, etc., is considered, serves to distinguish that function, curve, surface, etc., from others of the same kind or family.
Parameternoun
Any constant number which is required to calculate values of observed phenomena according to a theory, but the value of which must be determined by experiment, and cannot be calculated from the fundamental assumptions of the theory. In general, a theory which has a large number of parameters, though it may accurately predict experimental results, is considered as having less explanatory power and as being less esthetically pleasing than a theory with fewer parameters.
Parameternoun
The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane; also, the fundamental axial ratio for a given species.
Parameternoun
The limits, guidelines, or assumptions from within which an activity is carried out; as, new arrivals need to learn the parameters of the research in our department.
Parameternoun
A variable used in a calculation within a computer program which must be assigned a value before the calculation can be performed; as, let's plug in the parameters and see what the result is.
Parameternoun
A characteristic or element, especially one used as a criterion for evaluation or judgment; as, a useful parameter for determining efficiency.
Parameternoun
a constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves
Parameternoun
any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance
Parameternoun
a quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data
Parameternoun
a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation
Parameternoun
a quantity whose value is selected for the particular circumstances and in relation to which other variable quantities may be expressed.
Parameternoun
a numerical characteristic of a population, as distinct from a statistic of a sample.
Parameternoun
a limit or boundary which defines the scope of a particular process or activity
Parameter
A parameter (from the Ancient Greek παρά, para: , and μέτρον, metron: ), generally, is any characteristic that can help in defining or classifying a particular system (meaning an event, project, object, situation, etc.). That is, a parameter is an element of a system that is useful, or critical, when identifying the system, or when evaluating its performance, status, condition, etc.
Variableadjective
Able to vary.
Variableadjective
Likely to vary.
Variableadjective
Marked by diversity or difference.
Variableadjective
(mathematics) Having no fixed quantitative value.
Variableadjective
(biology) Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.
Variablenoun
Something that is variable.
Variablenoun
Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.
Variablenoun
(mathematics) A quantity that may assume any one of a set of values.
Variablenoun
(mathematics) A symbol representing a variable.
Variablenoun
(programming) A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.
Variablenoun
(astronomy) A variable star.
Variablenoun
(nautical) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
Variablenoun
Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.
Variableadjective
Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity.
Variableadjective
Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable.
Variablenoun
That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change.
Variablenoun
A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the equation x2 - y2 = R2, x and y are variables.
Variablenoun
A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
Variablenoun
something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation;
Variablenoun
a quantity that can assume any of a set of values
Variablenoun
a star that varies noticeably in brightness
Variablenoun
a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity
Variableadjective
liable to or capable of change;
Variableadjective
marked by diversity or difference;
Variableadjective
(used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied;
