Parameter

English

Noun

Parameter (plural Parameters)

1. (mathematics, physics) A variable kept constant during an experiment, calculation or similar.
2. (programming) A name in a function or subroutine definition that is replaced by, or bound to, the corresponding actual argument when the function or subroutine is called.
3. (programming) The value which is passed into the function to instantiate such a name; the argument.
4. A characteristic or feature that distinguishes something from others

Synonyms for Parameter

• (value passed to a function): argument
• (characteristic distinguishing something from others): distinguishing feature

Derived terms

actual parameter; formal parameter

Related terms

parametric; parametrise, parametrize

Thesaurus

boundaries, boundary condition, bounds, bourns, canon, catch, check, circumference, circumscription, clause, compass, condition, confines, coordinates, criterion, degree, donnee, edges, escalator clause, escape clause, escape hatch, fine print, fringes, gauge, given, graduated scale, grounds, joker, kicker, limitations, limiting condition, limits, marches, measure, metes, metes and bounds, model, norm, obligation, outlines, outskirts, pale, parameters, pattern, perimeter, periphery, prerequisite, provision, provisions, proviso, quantity, reading, readout, requisite, rule, saving clause, scale, sine qua non, skirts, small print, specification, standard, stipulation, string, terms, test, touchstone, type, ultimatum, value, verges, whereas, yardstick

Etymology

From French paramètre, from New Latin parametrum (“parameter”), from Ancient Greek παρά (“beside”) + μέτρον (“measure”).

Notes

• (the value used to instantiate the name): Some authors regard use of parameter to mean argument as imprecise, preferring that parameter refers only to the name that will be instantiated, and argument to refer to the value that will be used to instantiate it at runtime.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /pəˈɹæm.ə.tə/, SAMPA: /p@"r{[email protected]@/

Translations

variable kept constant during an experiment, calculation or similar

Czech: parametr (cs) m. Estonian: parameeter (et) Finnish: parametri (fi)

French: paramètre (fr) Greek: παράμετρος (el) (parámetros) f. Swedish: parameter (sv) c.

name in a function or subroutine definition

Czech: parametr (cs) m. Estonian: parameeter (et) Finnish: parametri (fi)

Greek: παράμετρος (el) (parámetros) f. Swedish: parameter (sv) c.

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Swedish

Noun

Parameter c.

1. a parameter

Declension

Declension of Parameter

	singular		plural
Common	indefinite	definite	indefinite	definite
nominative	Parameter	Parametern	parametrar	parametrarna
genitive	Parameters	Parameterns	parametrars	parametrarnas