parameter

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves
noun any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance
noun (computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program

From French paramètre, from New Latin parametrum (“parameter”), from Ancient Greek παρα- (para-, “beside”) + μέτρον (métron, “measure”).

The com- puter automatically set the communications parameters and matched the crypt key as chosen by the caller, undoubtedly Homosoto. — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau
In the latter end of the third year, my uncle Toby perceiving that the parameter and semi-parameter of the conic section angered his wound, he left off the study of projectiles in a kind of a huff, and betook himself to the practical part of fortification only; the pleasure of which, like a spring held back, returned upon him with redoubled force. — The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy, gentleman, Laurence Sterne

parametric quantity

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning

From: —

Output

Worksheet Type (multi-select)

Scope

Difficulty

Max questions

0 words Min 50 words / Max 2,000 words