parameter

UK: pəˈræmɪtə | US: pəˈræmɪtər

Definition

  1. n. a numerical or measurable factor defining a system or setting conditions (e.g., "The experiment tested parameters of temperature and pressure.")

  2. n. a boundary or limit (e.g., "The project must stay within the parameters of the budget.")

  3. n. (Mathematics) a constant in an equation that varies to produce related curves (e.g., "In 'y = mx + b,' 'm' is a parameter.")

Structure
para <beside, beyond>meter <measure>
Etymology

Derived from Greek para- (beside/beyond) + metron (measure), "parameter" entered Late Latin as parametrum and later French paramètre. Originally a mathematical term (17th c.), it described auxiliary measurements defining geometric curves. The modern sense of "defining limits" emerged in the 20th century, reflecting its logic of measuring boundaries.

Examples

  1. The software allows users to adjust parameters like brightness and contrast.

  2. Researchers studied the ecological parameters of the forest ecosystem.

  3. The agreement set strict parameters for future negotiations.

  4. In physics, Planck's constant is a fundamental parameter.

  5. Her creative work pushes the parameters of traditional art forms.