English · Science & Technology
control-variable
/kənˈtrəʊl ˈveə.ri.ə.bəl/
[/kənˈtrəʊl ˈveə.ri.ə.bəl/]
a factor kept the same
Intermediatenoun
Definition
A control variable is a factor that is kept the same during an experiment so it does not affect the results. Controlling variables makes a test fair.
Example
Temperature was the control variable in our test.
Temperature was the control variable in our test.
Etymology
From 'control', from Old French 'contrerolle', plus 'variable'.
How & Where It’s Used
Key to fair testing in science experiments.