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parametric quantity

parametric quantity

9.8
A number you change in an equation to make different but similar curves
  • noun
  • /ˌpærəˈmɛtrɪk ˈkwɒntɪti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cantidad paramétrica
  • Changing the parametric quantity in the equation allows us to generate multiple related curves.

Examples

  • In geometry, a parametric quantity defines a curve's shape.

  • The solution depends on adjusting a parametric quantity to fit the observed data.

  • Changing the parametric quantity in the function shifts the entire family of curves.

  • Each ellipse can be described by a different parametric quantity in its equation.

  • The parametric quantity can be adjusted to fit the model.

  • Each curve requires a unique parametric quantity to describe its specific shape.

  • Adjusting the parametric quantity helps us model different scenarios in our simulations.

Synonyms

parameter
vsparametric quantity
  • Specialized
3 6.9

A number in an equation that you change to make different curves

is the same meaning but uses a different technical name

Surface Forms

Morphology

parametric + quantity

The meaning follows directly from the parts: 'parametric' (= expressed in terms of parameters) modifies 'quantity' (= a value), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it denotes a value described by parameters. Although the phrase is technical, its sense is fully compositional and predictable from the constituent meanings.

Etymology

Parametric quantity comes from the idea of a single number that works like a 'control knob' for a family of curves. Imagine turning the parametric value, the quantity you change, and watching each curve move a bit — that's why it means 'a constant you vary to get different but related curves'.