confounder
nounUK /kənˈfaʊn.dər/
US /kənˈfaʊn.dɚ/
A confounder is something that mixes things up so it is hard to tell what is really causing what.
The scientists realized that age was a confounder in their study, because older people drank more coffee and also had more health problems.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A person who confuses or perplexes others.
The tricky riddle was a real confounder for the whole class.
3. In statistics, a variable that influences both the supposed cause and the effect, creating a false link.
Researchers adjusted for the confounder to avoid a misleading conclusion.
4. Something that causes confusion or disorder.
The last-minute schedule change was a confounder for everyone planning the trip.