Word Confusion: Parameter versus Perimeter

Posted October 13, 2022 by Kathy Davie in Author Resources, Self-Editing, Word Confusions, Writing

Revised as of
13 Dec 2022

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This word confusion — parameter vs perimeter — is not frequently abused.

Parameter can be considered a guideline, a measurable characteristic, or a constant factor serving as a limit. Grammarians note that it was in the mid-twentieth century that parameter began to be used in non-technical fields, i.e., the writers wanted to sound “fancy”. It is preferred that the use of parameter be left to specialists in mathematics, computer science, and other technical disciplines. If you absolutely insist on using parameter, be sure it refers to a range of variations.

Perimeter is most commonly used to refer to the circumference or outline of a closed figure or the outer boundary of an enclosed area. Yep, think of it as the fence that encloses your backyard!

Word Confusions . . .

. . . started as my way of dealing with a professional frustration with properly spelled words that were out of context in manuscripts I was editing as well as books I was reviewing. It evolved into a sharing of information with y’all. I’m hoping you’ll share with us words that have been a bête noire for you from either end.

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Parameter	Perimeter
What was Once a Constant is Now a Parameter by Gordon Joly is under the CC BY-SA 2.0 license, via Flickr.	Perimeter Scanning by IAEA Imagebank is under the CC BY 2.0 license, via Flickr. — Yep, when one is driving, one is constantly scanning the perimeter.
Part of Grammar:
Noun Plural: parameters	Noun Plural: perimeters
[Technical] A numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation [Mathematics] A quantity whose value is selected for the particular circumstances and in relation to which other variable quantities may be expressed One of the independent variables in a set of parametric equations [Statistics] A numerical characteristic of a population, as distinct from a statistic of a sample [In general use; usually parameters] A limit or boundary that defines the scope of a particular process or activity Guidelines [Computers] A variable that must be given a specific value during the execution of a program or of a procedure within a program Characteristic or factor Aspect Element	[Maths] The curve or line enclosing a plane area The length of this curve or line The continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure The outermost parts or boundary of an area or object [Military] A defended boundary of a military position or base Any boundary around something, such as a field [Basketball] An area away from the basket, beyond the reach of the defensive team [Ophthalmology] An instrument for measuring the extent and characteristics of a person’s field of vision
Examples:
The transmission will not let you downshift unless your speed is within the lower gear’s parameters. It addresses all the parameters of shelter — where people will live, what mode of housing they will choose, and how they will pay for it. It’s an experimental school that keeps expanding the parameters of its curriculum. “In the theory of elliptic integrals, ‘the’ parameter is denoted _m and is defined to be m≡k², where k is the elliptic modulus” (Parameter-Math). “Selected parameters characterizing the studied women aged [greater than or equal to] 40 years old (group 1) and [less than or equal to] 31 years old (group 2) Height Body mass Age Group and parameter [cm] [kg] [years] Group 1–experimental (N = 76) Me 164 67.5 55 Q25-Q75 160-167 60.0-75.0 49-59 min.-max 152-189 50.0-94.0 40-69 Group 2–control (N = 30) Me 168 61.2 26 Q25-Q75 160-168 52.0-78.0 24-28 min.-max 155-182 48.0-86.0 21-31 Body mass index Group and parameter [kg/[m.sup.2]] Group 1–experimental (N = 76) Me 24.5 Q25-Q75 22.6-28.2 min.-max 20.0-34.4 Group 2–control (N = 30) Me 21.6 Q25-Q75 19.9-24.1 min.-max 18.0-31.0 Me–median, Q25-Q75–quartiles, min.–minimal value, max–maximal value” (Kaczmarczyk). They set the parameters of the debate. He determined the basic parameters of our foreign policy. “The C programming language allows variable number of parameters for a single function” (Parameter). It was a useful parameter for judging long-term success.	We need to determine the perimeter of this circle. “The perimeter of a shape is the distance around that shape” (Perimeter). We need to determine the perimeter of a rectangle. They planted a windbreak around the perimeter of the garden. He could never forgive my presence on the perimeter of his life. “The UK’s largest water and waste company has awarded two multimillion-pound perimeter protection contracts to Wolverhampton security fencing systems manufacturer Zaun” (Multi). They walked round the perimeter of the stadium. He was very patient in working the ball around the perimeter. “The maximum stimulus brightness, which is used as a default in recent Octopus perimeter models, is 4,000 asb” (What, 15).
Derivatives:
Adjective: parametric, parametrical Adverb: parametrically Noun: parameterization, parametrization, parameterisation [British] Verb: parameterise [British], parameterize	Adjective: perimeterless, perimetral, perimetric, perimetrical Adverb: perimetrically Noun: perimetry
History of the Word:
Mid-17th century, from the modern Latin, from the Greek para- (beside) + metron (measure).	Late Middle English via the Latin from the Greek perimetros, based on peri- (around) + metron (measure).

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C’mon, get it out of your system, bitch, whine, moan . . . which words are your pet peeves? Also, please note that I try to be as accurate as I can, but mistakes happen or I miss something. Email me if you find errors, so I can fix them . . . and we’ll all benefit!

Satisfy your curiosity about other Word Confusions on its homepage or more generally explore the index of self-editing posts. You may also want to explore Book Layout & Formatting Ideas, Formatting Tips, Grammar Explanations, Linguistics, Publishing Tips, the Properly Punctuated, Writing Ideas and Resources, and Working Your Website.

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Resources for Parameter versus Perimeter

Apple Dictionary.com

Dictionary.com: parameter, perimeter

The Free Dictionary: parameter

Kaczmarczyk, Katarzyna, Ida Wiszomirska, Michalina Blazkiewicz, Michal Wychowanski, and Andrzej Wit. “First Signs of Elderly Gait in Women.” Medycyna Pracy. 1 July 2017. Web. 12 Oct 2022. <https://www.thefreelibrary.com/FIRST SIGNS OF ELDERLY GAIT FOR WOMEN-a0560556650>.

“Multi-million Security Fencing Contracts are Landed by Zaun.” Express and Star. 18 June 2019. Web. 12 Oct 2022. <https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Multi-million+security+fencing+contracts+are+landed+by+Zaun.-a0589500952>.

“Parameter.” Terminology. History and Terminology. Elliptic Integrals. Special Functions. Calculus and Analysis. Wolfram MathWorld. Last updated 11 Oct 2022. Web. 12 Oct 2022. <https://mathworld.wolfram.com/Parameter.html>.

“Parameter (param).” Techopedia. 19 June 2014. Web. 12 Oct 2022. <https://www.techopedia.com/definition/3725/parameter-param>.

“Perimeter and Area.” California State University-Northridge. n.d. Web. 12 Oct 2022. <http://www.csun.edu/~ayk38384/notes/mod5/ch2.htm>.

“What is Perimetry?” Haag-Streit_Diagnostics. ch 2. Haag-Streit.com. n.d. Web. 12 Oct 2022. <https://www.haag-streit.com/fileadmin/Haag-Streit_Diagnostics/perimetry/Visual_Field_Digest/Chapter_2/Visual-Field-Digest_chapter-2_01.pdf>.

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