global variable

noun

UK /ˈɡləʊ.bəl ˈveə.ri.ə.bəl/

US /ˈɡloʊ.bəl ˈver.i.ə.bəl/

A global variable is a value that every part of a computer program can see and use.

The programmer stored the player's score in a global variable so every screen could read it.

SYNONYMS

shared variable program-wide variable common variable public variable

RELATED WORDS

local variable scope variable function module

OTHER MEANINGS

2. In mathematics, a symbol that stands for a quantity that can change across a whole problem or equation.

In the formula, x is a global variable that applies to every term.

3. In statistics, a factor that is measured across an entire dataset rather than within a single group.

The researchers treated age as a global variable in the study.

4. In everyday speech, something that affects everything in a situation rather than just one part.

Weather is a global variable for the whole outdoor event.