predictor

[ pri-dik-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that predicts.
2. Mathematics. a formula for determining additional values or derivatives of a function from the relationship of its given values.

predictor

/ prɪˈdɪktə /

noun

1. a person or thing that predicts
2. an instrument, used in conjunction with an anti-aircraft gun, that determines the speed, distance, height, and direction of hostile aircraft
3. statistics a more modern term for independent variable

Word History and Origins

Origin of predictor¹

From the Medieval Latin word praedictor, dating back to 1645–55. See predict, -tor

Example Sentences

Researchers have found education can be a predictor of better cognitive performance, memory function, life expectancy and delayed onset of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

From Science Daily

Using historical data and a novel set of weather-based predictors, the authors based their research on measuring advection -- the rate of water movement -- between two hydrometric stations on the Ottawa River.

From Science Daily

Yet a new systematic review and meta-analysis published today in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that cardiorespiratory fitness was a stronger predictor of both cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality than BMI.

From Science Daily

"Especially for the children with cochlear implants, it was such a strong predictor that even three years later, we were able to account for some of the differences in their language skills."

From Science Daily

While colleges used to regard high school grade-point averages as the best predictor of higher education success, their predictive value has declined.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• prognosticator
• seer
• witch