indeterminate
UK: ˌɪndɪˈtɜːmɪnət | US: ˌɪndɪˈtɜːrmɪnət
adj. not precisely determined or established; vague or unclear
adj. (mathematics) having no definite or calculable value
adj. (botany) lacking a fixed or predictable growth pattern
The word "indeterminate" traces back to Latin indeterminatus, combining the negative prefix in- (not) with determinare (to set bounds, decide). The root determine comes from de- (completely) + terminare (to limit, from terminus meaning boundary). Over time, "indeterminate" evolved to describe things lacking clear limits or definitions, reflecting its logical construction: "not capable of being decided or bounded."
The experiment yielded indeterminate results, requiring further analysis.
The length of the project remains indeterminate due to funding delays.
In algebra, an indeterminate equation has infinitely many solutions.
The vine displayed indeterminate growth, continuing to extend without flowering.
Her answer was deliberately indeterminate to avoid commitment.