What does parametrize mean?
To parametrize something is to describe or express it through parameters: variables or quantities that specify its behavior, form, or behavior within a larger system. The term is especially common in mathematics, geometry, physics, engineering, and computer science. A curve or surface may be parametrized by identifying a coordinate on it with a variable, while a computational model may be parametrized by allowing coefficients, weights, or other quantities to vary systematically. Parametrization is useful because it turns a general object or relationship into a form that can be calculated, compared, plotted, or analyzed. The word is more precise than simply describing something as variable: a parameter is generally a chosen quantity that helps characterize another object or process. Although parametrize and parameterize are both standard spellings, parametrize is particularly frequent in technical and American contexts.
verbTo express or represent something in terms of one or more parameters, especially in mathematics, physics, engineering, or computer science.
- To express or represent something in terms of one or more parameters.
"The software parametrizes each trajectory by its initial position and velocity."
"The curve can be parametrized using a single variable, t."
"Researchers parametrized the model to examine how changing each coefficient affected the result."
Parametrizing turns a complicated geometric problem into a simpler description by naming the coordinates that control it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does parametrize come from?
Parametrize combines the prefix para-, meaning beside or alongside, with the word parameter. Parameter comes from Greek para- and metron, meaning a measure taken alongside or a standard of measurement, and entered English through Latin and French. The verbal form developed from the idea of expressing a mathematical object in terms of parameters. The spelling with -ize follows the usual English pattern in which -ize can correspond to Greek -izein.
Related word forms
How parametrize is actually used
This is primarily technical terminology. In formal mathematical writing, parametrize and parameterize are both accepted; parameterize is especially common in British usage, while both spellings occur in American usage.
Easily confused with parametrize
A parameter is a variable or quantity used to specify or characterize a system, whereas to parametrize is to express that system in terms of such quantities.