dependent variable

2 definitions found

dependent variable - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Dependent \De*pend"ent\, a. [L. dependens, -entis, p. pr.
     dependere. See Depend, and cf. Dependant.]
     1. Hanging down; as, a dependent bough or leaf.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Relying on, or subject to, something else for support; not
        able to exist, or sustain itself, or to perform anything,
        without the will, power, or aid of something else; not
        self-sustaining; subordinate; -- often with on or upon;
        as, dependent on God; dependent upon friends. Opposite of
        independent. [Narrower terms: interdependent,  mutualist, mutually beneficial
        ; parasitic, parasitical,  leechlike, bloodsucking
        ; subordinate; underage;
        myrmecophilous; symbiotic] Also See: unfree.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              England, long dependent and degraded, was again a
              power of the first rank.              --Macaulay.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. conditional; contingent or conditioned. Opposite of
        unconditional.
  
     Syn: qualified.
          [WordNet 1.5]
  
     4. addicted to drugs.
  
     Syn: addicted, dependent, drug-addicted, hooked, strung-out.
          [WordNet 1.5]
  
     Dependent covenant or Dependent contract (Law), one not
        binding until some connecting stipulation is performed.
  
     Dependent variable (Math.), a varying quantity whose
        changes are arbitrary, but are regarded as produced by
        changes in another variable, which is called the
        independent variable.
        [1913 Webster]

dependent variable - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  dependent variable
      n 1: (statistics) a variable in a logical or mathematical
           expression whose value depends on the independent variable;
           "if f(x)=y, y is the dependent variable"