indeterminate

[ in-di-tur-muh-nit ]
/ ˌɪn dɪˈtɜr mə nɪt /

adjective

noun

Mathematics. something whose value is not specified: used especially in abstract algebra; a variable.

Origin of indeterminate

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word indēterminātus. See in-3, determinate

OTHER WORDS FROM indeterminate

in·de·ter·mi·nate·ly, adverb in·de·ter·mi·nate·ness, noun

Example sentences from the Web for indeterminate

British Dictionary definitions for indeterminate

indeterminate
/ (ˌɪndɪˈtɜːmɪnɪt) /

adjective

Derived forms of indeterminate

indeterminacy, indetermination or indeterminateness, noun indeterminately, adverb

Scientific definitions for indeterminate

indeterminate
[ ĭn′dĭ-tûrmə-nĭt ]

Continuing to grow at the apical meristem or the terminal bud indefinitely, allowing for the development of an ever-increasing number of plant organs such as leaves, stems, or flowers to the side.