Parameters are factors or limits which affect the way that something can be done or made.
[formal]
That would be enough to make sure we fell within the parameters of our loan agreement. [+ of]
A person's stride length has certain parameters.
Synonyms: limit, constant, restriction, guideline More Synonyms of parameter
parameter in British English
(pəˈræmɪtə)
noun
1.
one of a number of auxiliary variables in terms of which all the variables in an implicit functional relationship can be explicitly expressed
parametric equations
2.
a variable whose behaviour is not being considered and which may for present purposes be regarded as a constant, as y in the partial derivative ∂f(x,y)/∂x
3. statistics
a characteristic of the distribution of a population, such as its mean, as distinct from that of a sample
Compare statistic
4. informal
any constant or limiting factor
a designer must work within the parameters of budget and practicality
Derived forms
parametric (ˌpærəˈmɛtrɪk) or parametrical (ˌparaˈmetrical)
adjective
Word origin
C17: from New Latin; see para-1, -meter
parameter in American English
(pəˈræmətər)
noun
1. Ancient Mathematics
a quantity or constant whose value varies with the circumstances of its application, as the radius line of a group of concentric circles, which varies with the circle under consideration
2.
any constant, with variable values, used as a referent for determining other variables
3.
a.
a boundary or limit
b.
a factor or characteristic
usually used in pl.
usage objected to by some
Derived forms
parametric (ˌparaˈmetric) (ˌpærəˈmɛtrɪk)
adjective
Word origin
ModL parametrum < Gr para-, para-1 + metron, measure
Examples of 'parameter' in a sentence
parameter
Its policy sets the macroeconomic parameters that affect the ability of businesses to reach their productive potential.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
How were women to discuss their personal experience of love within the parameters set by male poets?
Pamela Norris Words Of Love: Passionate Women from Heloise to Sylvia Plath (2006)
Consider the impact it will have on your own life and set out parameters.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
You want to know the parameters of the job and they kept changing.
The Sun (2010)
We know the resources we have and we know the parameters and that makes life difficult.
The Sun (2009)
But if done within certain parameters, it is acceptable.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Mothers and fathers have to set the parameters, both at home and in the wider environment.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
And setting the parameters of Scottish tax and spending policy would be hugely fraught.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Second, it is essential that dialogue is resumed based on clear parameters.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Flight compensation is there to be claimed, and its parameters are getting clearer all the time.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Most choices involve the lesser of two evils; the game is already stitched up because global capitalism has set the grim parameters.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Sir, The power to define the parameters of any inquiry is the power to shape its outcome.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
I would sit with my laptop on a tour bus, working on songs and setting the parameters for what the album would be like.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
First, I must define my parameters.
Christianity Today (2000)
I can only put certain parameters down to ensure that doesn't happen and we'll see what happens thereafter.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In other languages
parameter
British English: parameter NOUN
Parameters are factors or limits which affect the way that something can be done or made.
That would make sure we fell within the parameters of our loan agreement.
American English: parameter
Brazilian Portuguese: parâmetro
Chinese: 参数
European Spanish: parámetro
French: paramètre
German: Parameter
Italian: parametro
Japanese: パラメーター
Korean: 요인
European Portuguese: parâmetro
Latin American Spanish: parámetro
(noun)
Definition
any limiting factor
(informal
We have to define the basic parameters within which we want to operate.
Synonyms
limit
He outlined the limits of British power.
constant
restriction
the restrictions of urban living
guideline
The government should issue clear guidelines on the content of religious education.
criterion
framework
limitation
There is to be no limitation on the number of opposition parties.
specification
Additional synonyms
in the sense of guideline
Definition
a principle put forward to set standards or determine a course of action
The government should issue clear guidelines on the content of religious education.
Synonyms
recommendation,
advice,
proposal,
direction,
suggestion,
counsel,
specification
in the sense of limitation
Definition
a restriction or controlling of quantity, quality, or achievement
There is to be no limitation on the number of opposition parties.