Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
covariable

covariable

9.1
A measured factor that can affect study results and researchers often control it
  • noun
  • /ˌkoʊˈværiəbl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : covariable
  • Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine which covariables predicted sternal wound dehiscence.

Examples

  • In the study, age and income were identified as key covariables that influenced the results of the analysis.

  • The researchers controlled for several covariables, such as education level and prior experience, in their statistical model.

  • Whereas environmental visibility is conceived as an independent variable, issue framing is related to a network's strategic capacity, and thus issue framing and strategic capacity are covariables.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Covariables included in the GAM and the adjusted PCB subset models were identical to those used in the PCB model.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Understanding the role of covariables is essential in determining how different factors can affect the outcome of an experiment.

Synonyms

covariate
vscovariable
  • Specialized
1 8.6

A variable like age or gender included to control its effect in a study

is used when a variable may influence or predict outcomes not as main focus
regressor
vscovariable
  • Specialized
8.8

A variable that predicts change in something else, for example age

is often used for variables researchers control or adjust for in analysis
predictor variable
vscovariable
  • Specialized
6.7

A number or fact that helps you guess another result

is sometimes treated as a factor researchers control rather than as a forecasting tool

Surface Forms

covariable singular
covariables plural

Morphology

covariable = variable (transparent) = co + variable

Productive prefix 'co-' meaning 'joint/associated with' combined with the noun 'variable' yields the technical sense 'a variable associated with or occurring together with another'.

Etymology

Covariable is made from co- meaning 'with' and variable meaning 'changeable', the same root as the verb vary which means 'to change'. So a covariable is a variable that 'changes together' with others or is considered 'with' the main factors because it can influence or help predict the outcome.