pa|ram|e|ter

pa|ram|e|ter «puh RAM uh tuhr», noun.

1. Mathematics. a constant in a particular calculation or case that varies in other cases, especially a constant occurring in the equation of a curve or surface, by the variation of which the equation is made to represent a family of such curves or surfaces.

2. a measurable factor which helps with other such factors to define a system: »

Various individual experiments have climbed past various obstacles to reach positions close to the break-even level. In fact, in some instances two of the three essential parameters (density, temperature and confinement time) have already been achieved (Scientific American).

3. any defining or characteristic factor: »

the mind with all its parameters and limits ingrained through years of constant failure to aim beyond the “feasible” and “allowable,” the “probable” (Atlantic).

╂[< New Latin parametrum < Greek para- beside + métron meter]