Mathematics .

a constant or variable term in a function that determines the specific form of the function but not its general nature, as a in f ( x ) = ax, where a determines only the slope of the line described by f ( x ).

one of the independent variables in a set of parametric equations.

Statistics . a variable entering into the mathematical form of any distribution such that the possible values of the variable correspond to different distributions.

Computers . a variable that must be given a specific value during the execution of a program or of a procedure within a program.

Usually, parameters. limits or boundaries; guidelines

the basic parameters of our foreign policy.

characteristic or factor; aspect; element

a useful parameter for judging long-term success.

noun

constant , criterion , framework , guideline , limitation , restriction , specificationnotes:parameter is a quantity or mathematical variable that stays constant; perimeter is the outer boundary of an area