Parameters — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /pə-ˈra-mə-tər/ pa·ram·e·ter

Meaning & Definition of Parameters

Parameters (noun)

  1. an arbitrary constant whose value characterizes a member of a system (such as a family of curves); also, a quantity (such as a mean or variance) that describes a statistical population
  2. an independent variable used to express the coordinates of a variable point and functions of them
  3. any of a set of physical properties whose values determine the characteristics or behavior of something

Word Forms of Parameters

Derived words: parametric (adjective), parametrically (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Parameters

New Latin, from para- + Greek metron measure measure

First known use: 1833

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Parameters

Frequently Asked Questions about Parameters

What does "Parameters" mean?

"Parameters" means an arbitrary constant whose value characterizes a member of a system (such as a family of curves); also, a quantity (such as a mean or variance) that describes a statistical population. As a noun, it is defined as: an arbitrary constant whose value characterizes a member of a system (such as a family of curves); also, a quantity (such as a mean or variance) that describes a statistical population. It has 3 distinct senses.

Is "Parameters" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Parameters" is a noun.

Is "Parameters" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Parameters"?

"Parameters" is pronounced /pə-ˈra-mə-tər/ and divided into syllables as pa·ram·e·ter.

What is the origin of the word "Parameters"?

"Parameters" comes from New Latin, from para- + Greek metron measure measure. First known use: 1833.

Is "Parameters" an academic word?

Yes. "Parameters" is part of the 570-word Academic Word List (AWL), which contains vocabulary that appears frequently in university texts and in exams such as IELTS and TOEFL.

What topics is "Parameters" used in?

"Parameters" is commonly used in topics such as Science & Research.

What words are derived from "Parameters"?

Words derived from "Parameters" include parametric (adjective) and parametrically (adverb).