mainvariable
nounUK /meɪn ˈveəriəbl/
US /meɪn ˈveriəbl/
The main variable is the one thing in a test that you change on purpose.
In our plant experiment, the main variable was the amount of water each plant got.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The most important quantity in a math equation that can take different values.
In the formula y = 3x + 2, x is the main variable we solve for.
3. The chief factor that changes in a computer program or model.
The main variable in the weather model is temperature.
4. The leading thing that can vary in a survey or study.
Researchers tracked the main variable, hours of sleep, across the whole group.