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Noun: parameter  pu'ra-mi-tu(r)
  1. Any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance
    "The scientists adjusted various parameters to optimize the experiment"
     
  2. A constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves
    "They adjusted the parameter to generate different versions of the curve";
    - parametric quantity
     
  3. A quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data
    "The researchers calculated several parameters to describe the population's health trends"
     
  4. (computing) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program
    "The function takes two parameters: the user's name and age";
    - argument

Derived forms: parameters

Type of: address, computer address, constant, constant quantity, factor, invariable, quantity, reference, value

Encyclopedia: Parameter