parameter

parameter

 [pah-ram´ĕ-ter]

1. in a mathematical expression, a constant that distinguishes specific cases, having a definite fixed value in one case but different values in other cases.

2. in statistics, a value that specifies one of the members of a family of probability distributions, such as the mean or the standard deviation.

3. a variable whose measure is indicative of a quantity or function that cannot itself be directly determined precisely.

Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health, Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.

pa·ram·e·ter

(pă-ram'ĕ-tĕr), Avoid the jargonistic use of this word to mean simply 'something measured or measurable'. One of many dimensions or ways of measuring or describing an object or evaluating a subject:

1. In a mathematic expression, an arbitrary constant that can possess different values (with each value defining other expressions), and can thereby determine the specific form but not the general nature of the expression; for example, in the equation y = a + bx, a and b are parameters.

2. In statistics, a term used to define a characteristic of a population, in contrast to a sample from that population, for example, the mean and standard deviation of a total population.

3. In psychoanalysis, any tactic, other than interpretation, used by the analyst to further the patient's progress.

[para- + G. metron, measure]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

parameter

A mathematical and statistical variable in a model system that partially or completely characterises a probability distribution. Parameters are rarely known and are usually estimated by statistical computation from samples. In clinical trials, parameter may be used synonymously with variable for factual data—e.g., age, date of recovery, measurements and clinical assessments; however, it is most often linked to statistical conventions as a numeric characteristic of a population and thus has a narrower definition than variable.

Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.

parameter

Cardiac pacing A term quantifying an operational element determining pacemaker behavior–eg, rate, pulse width, A-V interval, refractory period, etc

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

pa·ram·e·ter

(pă-ram'ĕ-tĕr)

1. One of many dimensions or ways of measuring or describing an object or evaluating a subject

2. mathematics An arbitrary constant that can possess different values, each value defining other expressions.

3. statistics A term used to define a characteristic of a population, in contrast to a sample from that population.

4. psychoanalysis Any tactic, other than interpretation, used by the analyst to further the patient's progress.

[para- + G. metron, measure]

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

pa·ram·e·ter

(pă-ram'ĕ-tĕr)

One of many dimensions or ways of measuring or describing an object or evaluating a subject.

[para- + G. metron, measure]

Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012