1. (statistics) an unrestricted variable in a frequency distribution
   "The chi-square test took into account the degrees of freedom in the data set"
    
2. One of the minimum number of parameters needed to describe the state of a physical system
   "The robot arm had six degrees of freedom, allowing for complex movements"

Derived forms: degrees of freedom

Type of: parameter, parametric quantity, variable, variable quantity

Encyclopedia: Degree of freedom