Parameter

[pə'ræmɪtə] or [pə'ræmɪtɚ]

Definition

(noun.) a constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves.

(noun.) a quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data.

(noun.) any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance.

Edited by Edward--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A term applied to some characteristic magnitude whose value, invariable as long as one and the same function, curve, surface, etc., is considered, serves to distinguish that function, curve, surface, etc., from others of the same kind or family.

(n.) Specifically (Conic Sections), in the ellipse and hyperbola, a third proportional to any diameter and its conjugate, or in the parabola, to any abscissa and the corresponding ordinate.

(n.) The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane; also, the fundamental axial ratio for a given species.

Inputed by Bartholomew

Definition

n. (geom.) the constant quantity which enters into the equation of a curve: in conic sections a third proportional to any diameter and its conjugate diameter.

Edited by Lilian