n.
1.a constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves
2.any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance
3.a quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data
Idiom of the Day
in a family way
pregnant, going to have a baby
Our new secretary is in a family way and plans to stop working soon.