control

(kən-trōlˈ)

1. To exercise authoritative or dominating influence over; direct. See Synonyms at conduct.
2. To adjust to a requirement; regulate: controlled trading on the stock market; controls the flow of water.
3. To hold in restraint; check: struggled to control my temper.
4. To reduce or prevent the spread of: control insects; controlled the fire by dousing it with water.
5. a. To verify or regulate (a scientific experiment) by conducting a parallel experiment or by comparing with another standard.
   b. To verify (an account, for example) by using a duplicate register for comparison.

1. Authority or ability to manage or direct: lost control of the skidding car; the leaders in control of the country.
2. a. One that controls; a controlling agent, device, or organization.
   b. An instrument or set of instruments used to operate, regulate, or guide a machine or vehicle. Often used in the plural.
3. A restraining device, measure, or limit; a curb: a control on prices; price controls.
4. a. A standard of comparison for checking or verifying the results of an experiment.
   b. An individual or group used as a standard of comparison in a control experiment.
5. An intelligence agent who supervises or instructs another agent.
6. A spirit presumed to speak or act through a medium.

Related Forms:

• con·trolˌla·bilˈi·ty noun

• con·trolˈla·ble adjective

• con·trolˈla·bly adverb