Meaning & use

parameter

noun·Academic

A measurable factor that defines a system's characteristics, or a limit that sets the boundaries of something.

See it in a sentence

Engineers adjusted several parameters to improve the engine's fuel efficiency.

The teacher set clear parameters for what the essay should and should not include.

A note on using this word

In casual usage, 'parameters' often loosely means boundaries or guidelines, while in mathematics and science it has a more precise technical meaning.

Words with a similar meaning

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