parameter

Where does the word "parameter" come from? It comes from Greek para, passing through New Latin before entering English (1650s).

Parameter’s story begins in Greek: para meant “beside.” Beside, combined with metron (measure). By 1650s, the word had taken hold in New Latin as parameter. Formed from Greek para (beside) and metron (measure) for a measurable quantity defining a system. It reached English by 1650s as parameter. From Greek 'para', beside, plus 'metron', measure. Today, parameter means a measurable factor that defines or limits a system or situation.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient para "beside", beside, combined with metron (measure).
2. Stage 2 · New Latin · 1650s parameter "a measurable quantity defining a system", formed from Greek para (beside) and metron (measure) for a measurable quantity defining a system.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1650s parameter "a factor that defines or limits a system", from Greek 'para', beside, plus 'metron', measure.