dependent variable

noun

: a mathematical variable whose value is determined by that of one or more other variables in a function

Examples of dependent variable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The alleles serve as independent variables which can predict the probable outcome of the dependent variable, the probability of FSGS or H-ESKD in this case (renal failure). Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 22 July 2010 Trial duration was 60 sec, intertrial interval was 24 hr, and the dependent variable was rate of tongue flicking (a measure of chemosensory investigation). Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2013 In this case, the dependent variable happens to be the pattern of genetic variation, the single nucelotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2011 The amount of time that passed before an employee approached and acknowledged the confederate served as the dependent variable. Seriously Science, Discover Magazine, 28 Nov. 2014 The presence versus absence of smile was the dependent variable. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 23 Sep. 2011 Vaccine uptake is the dependent variable and trust in EU institutions is the independent variable. Lutz Finger, Forbes, 6 May 2021 But hoarding is a dependent variable, as the economists would say, while the independent variable, that is, the factor causing the hoarding, was supply uncertainty or more prosaically, fear. Michael Lynch, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021 By making the level of interest rates a dependent variable, Volcker bought himself a little political cover. Roger Lowenstein, Washington Post, 10 Dec. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dependent variable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dependent variable was circa 1852

Dictionary Entries Near dependent variable

Cite this Entry

“Dependent variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dependent%20variable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dependent variable

noun
: mathematical variable whose value is determined by that of one or more other variables in a function compare independent variable

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