control variable

noun

Also called control. Statistics. a person, group, event, etc., that is used as a constant and unchanging standard of comparison in scientific experimentation. Compare dependent variable(def 2), independent variable(def 2).
(in computer programming) a variable that is used to regulate the flow of control, or order of execution, generally the number of times a loop will execute.

Words nearby control variable

control surface, control survey, control syringe, control tower, control unit, control variable, controllable-pitch, controlled, controlled experiment, controlled explosion, controlled hypotension