noun
parameter
puh-RAM-ih-ter/pəˈræmɪtər/
A value or characteristic that helps define a system or model.
The temperature limit is a parameter adjusted by turning the kiln's dial.
Etymology
A “subsidiary measure” in geometry became a measurable factor defining a system. Its further use for a boundary or limit was influenced by “perimeter.”
In context
… how fast does atmospheric pressure decrease with altitude well to answer that we have to look at the vertical pressure gradient which is a parameter that basically measures the rate at which atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude …
More examples
- Changing one parameter alters the simulation's results.
- The engineer adjusts several parameters to improve the system's performance.
- The population's average age is an important parameter in this study.
Forms
parameter · parameters
parametric adjective — Relating to parameters in a model.
parameterize verb — To describe using a set of parameters.