pa·ram·e·ter (pə-rămˈĭ-tər)

1. One of a set of measurable factors, such as temperature and pressure, that define a system and determine its behavior and are varied in an experiment.
2. A factor that determines a range of variations; a boundary.
3. A statistical quantity, such as a mean or standard deviation of a total population, that is calculated from data and describes a characteristic of the population as opposed to a sample from the population.
4. A psychoanalytic tactic, other than interpretation, used by the analyst to further the patient's progress.
5. A factor that restricts what is possible or what results. Not in technical use.
6. A distinguishing characteristic or feature. Not in technical use.

Related Forms:

• parˌa·metˈric (părˌə-mĕtˈrĭk) adjective