Independent \In`de*pend"ent\, a. [Pref. in- not + dependent: cf. F. ind['e]pendant.]

[1913 Webster]

1. Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent. [1913 Webster]

A dry, but independent crust. --Cowper. [1913 Webster]

2. Affording a comfortable livelihood; as, an independent property. [1913 Webster]

3. Not subject to bias or influence; not obsequious; self-directing; as, a man of an independent mind. [1913 Webster]

4. Expressing or indicating the feeling of independence; free; easy; bold; unconstrained; as, an independent air or manner. [1913 Webster]

5. Separate from; exclusive; irrespective. [1913 Webster]

That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement. --R. P. Ward. [1913 Webster]

6. (Eccl.) Belonging or pertaining to, or holding to the doctrines or methods of, the Independents. [1913 Webster]

7. (Math.) Not dependent upon another quantity in respect to value or rate of variation; -- said of quantities or functions. [1913 Webster]

8. (U. S. Politics) Not bound by party; exercising a free choice in voting with either or any party. [1913 Webster]

Independent company (Mil.), one not incorporated in any regiment.

Independent seconds watch, a stop watch having a second hand driven by a separate set of wheels, springs, etc., for timing to a fraction of a second.

Independent variable. (Math.) See Dependent variable, under Dependent.

Syn: Free; uncontrolled; separate; uncoerced; self-reliant; bold; unconstrained; unrestricted. [1913 Webster]

Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
 

Variable \Va"ri*a*ble\, n.

1. That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change. [1913 Webster]

2. (Math.) A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the equation x^2 - y^2 = R^2, x and y are variables. [1913 Webster]

3. (Naut.)
   (a) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
   (b) pl. Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts. [1913 Webster]

Independent variable (Math.), that one of two or more variables, connected with each other in any way whatever, to which changes are supposed to be given at will. Thus, in the equation x^2 - y^2 = R^2, if arbitrary changes are supposed to be given to x, then x is the independent variable, and y is called a function of x. There may be two or more independent variables in an equation or problem. Cf. Dependent variable, under Dependent. [1913 Webster]

Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
 

independent variable

Source: WordNet (r) 2.0
 

Independent \In`de*pend"ent\, a. [Pref. in- not + dependent: cf. F. ind['e]pendant.]

1. Not dependent; free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not subordinate; as, few men are wholly independent.

A dry, but independent crust. --Cowper.

2. Affording a comfortable livelihood; as, an independent property.

3. Not subject to bias or influence; not obsequious; self-directing; as, a man of an independent mind.

4. Expressing or indicating the feeling of independence; free; easy; bold; unconstrained; as, an independent air or manner.

5. Separate from; exclusive; irrespective.

That obligation in general, under which we conceive ourselves bound to obey a law, independent of those resources which the law provides for its own enforcement. --R. P. Ward.

6. (Eccl.) Belonging or pertaining to, or holding to the doctrines or methods of, the Independents.

7. (Math.) Not dependent upon another quantity in respect to value or rate of variation; -- said of quantities or functions.

8. (U. S. Politics) Not bound by party; exercising a free choice in voting with either or any party.

Independent company (Mil.), one not incorporated in any regiment.

Independent seconds watch, a stop watch having a second hand driven by a separate set of wheels, springs, etc., for timing to a fraction of a second.

Independent variable. (Math.) See Dependent variable, under Dependent.

Syn: Free; uncontrolled; separate; uncoerced; self-reliant; bold; unconstrained; unrestricted.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Variable \Va"ri*a*ble\, n.

1. That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change.

2. (Math.) A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the equation x^2 - y^2 = R^2, x and y are variables.

3. (Naut.)
   (a) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
   (b) pl. Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.

Independent variable (Math.), that one of two or more variables, connected with each other in any way whatever, to which changes are supposed to be given at will. Thus, in the equation x^2 - y^2 = R^2, if arbitrary changes are supposed to be given to x, then x is the independent variable, and y is called a function of x. There may be two or more independent variables in an equation or problem. Cf. Dependent variable, under Dependent.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)