indeterminate
indeterminate Lexical Profile
indeterminate Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Not exactly known, established, or defined; vague or uncertain in extent, amount, or nature.
"The ancient ruins appeared to be of indeterminate age, baffling the team of archaeologists."
(In botany and biology) Continuing to grow or elongate indefinitely after reaching maturity rather than terminating in a flower bud or fixed size.
"Indeterminate tomato varieties require tall stakes because their vines continue growing and producing fruit until the first frost."
(In mathematics and engineering) Denoting an equation, expression, or structural system that has no unique solution or cannot be solved by standard equilibrium equations alone.
"In calculus, dividing zero by zero yields an indeterminate form that requires further analysis to evaluate."
• noun
(In mathematics) A variable or formal symbol in a polynomial or power series that does not stand for any specific fixed value.
"In abstract algebra, a polynomial ring can be constructed over a field using one or more formal indeterminates."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'indeterminate' (not yet settled, fixed, or known) with 'undetermined' (not yet decided upon or investigated) or 'indeterminable' (impossible to ever ascertain or calculate).
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 14th century from Late Latin 'indeterminatus' ('undefined, unlimited'), formed from the privative prefix 'in-' ('not') and 'determinatus', the past participle of 'determinare' ('to enclose within limits, fix, or settle').