pa.ram.e.ter
n.（名词）Mathematics 【数学】 A constant in an equation that varies in other equations of the same general form, especially such a constant in the equation of a curve or surface that can be varied to represent a family of curves or surfaces.参数，参量：在相同一般类型的等式中取值变化的等式中的常数或常量，尤其是曲线方程和平面方程中能代表一类曲线或平面的常量One of a set of independent variables that express the coordinates of a point.变量，参数：一组代表与之对应的点的独立变量之一
One of a set of measurable factors, such as temperature and pressure, that define a system and determine its behavior and are varied in an experiment.要素，测量元素之一：一组可测量的确定某一系统并决定该系统的状况且在实验中是变化的因素之一，例如温度和压力Usage Problem A factor that restricts what is possible or what results:【用法疑难】 限制因素：限定可能性和结果的因素：例句：.all the parameters of shelter—where people will live, what mode of housing they will choose, and how they will pay for it.(New York).住宿的所有限制因素——人们住在哪里、他们将选择什么样的住房式样以及他们如何付房钱.(纽约)
A factor that determines a range of variations; a boundary:决定变数范围的要素，范围，界限：决定变化范围的因素；限度：例句：an experimental school that keeps expanding the parameters of its curriculum.一所不断扩展课程范围的实验学校
Statistics A quantity, such as a mean, that is calculated from data and describes a population.【统计学】 母数：一种如平均数等从数据中计算出来的用来描述总体的数值Usage Problem A distinguishing characteristic or feature.【用法疑难】 特色，特征：区别于其它事物的特点或性质
来源：New Latin parametrum [a line through the focus and parallel to the directrix of a conic] 现代拉丁语 parametrum [通过焦点并与圆锥曲线的准轴线平行的直线] Greek para- [beside] * see para- 希腊语 para- [在旁边] *参见 para-Greek metron [measure] * see -meter 希腊语 metron [测量] *参见 -meter
【引伸】
par.amet.ric
par.amet.rically
adv.（副词）In recent yearsparameter has become the archetype for the borrowing of scientific terms into general usage and as such has occasioned a good deal of skeptical comment.Some of its new uses can be justified as useful extensions of the technical senses of the word.For example, the provisions of a zoning ordinance that limit the height or density of new construction can be reasonably likened to mathematical parameters that establish the limits of other variables.Therefore one can properly sayThe zoning commission announced new planning parameters for the historic Lamping district of the city. But other uses suggest that the writer has not understood the technical senseand has chosen it primarily as a way of injecting an aura of scientific precision into what would otherwise be a pedestrian communication.Thus there is no semantic justification for usingparameter as a general substitute for characteristic, as inThe Judeo-Christian ethic is one of the important parameters of Western culture, an example found unacceptable by 80 percent of the Usage Panel. ·Some of the difficulties with nontechnical use ofparameter appear to arise from its resemblance to the word perimeter, with which it shares the sense .limit,. though the two words differ in their precise meaning.This confusion doubtless explains the use ofparameter in a sentence such as U.S. forces report that the parameters of the mine area in the Gulf are fairly well established, where the wordperimeter would have expressed the intended sense more exactly. This example of a use ofparameter was unacceptable to ' percent of the Usage Panel. 近些年来，parameter 已成为一个从科技术语借用到普通用法的原形， 同时也引起了大量的怀疑批评。它的某些新用法可被看作是该词科技含义的有益扩展。例如，某一区域性法规中关于新建筑高度或密度的条文能被合理地与制定其它变量限度的数学参量进行比较。因而，人们当然可以说地区委员会公布了历史上该城有名的灯区新计划方案 。 但其它的一些用法说明说话人还没有理解它的科技含义，并且选用了这个词主要作为给将是普通交流的东西注入一些精确的科学气息的途径。因此，用parameter 作为 characteristic 的一般等价词毫无语义上的合理性， 如在犹太教与基督教的道德规范是西方文化中重要的限制因素 ， 是80%的用法小组成员不接受的例子。Parameter 的非科技运用中的一些难点是由于它与 perimeter 都有.限制.的含义造成的， 尽管两个词的确切含义是不相同的。这种混淆无疑解释了parameter 在例如 美军报告说，海湾地雷区的环形防线设置得相当不错 的句子中的运用， 这里perimeter 可能会更确切地表达这种引申含义。 '%的用法小组成员不接受这个运用parameter 的例子
