Pointer and Parameter

noun

• A mark to indicate a direction or relation.
  • synonyms: arrow
• An indicator as on a dial.
• Computer science) indicator consisting of a movable spot of light (an icon) on a visual display; moving it allows the user to point to commands or screen positions.
  • synonyms: cursor
• A strong slender smooth-haired dog of Spanish origin having a white coat with brown or black patches; scents out and points to game.
  • synonyms: Spanish pointer

• (n.) The two stars (Merak and Dubhe) in the Great Bear, the line between which points nearly in the direction of the north star.
• (n.) One who or that which, points.
• (n.) The hand of a timepiece.
• (n.) Diagonal braces sometimes fixed across the hold.
• (n.) One of a breed of dogs trained to stop at scent of game, and with the nose point it out to sportsmen.

noun

• A constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves.
  • synonyms: parametric quantity
• Any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance.
• Computer science. ( a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program)
  • synonyms: argument
• A quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data. .

• (n.) The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane; also, the fundamental axial ratio for a given species.
• (n.) Specifically (Conic Sections), in the ellipse and hyperbola, a third proportional to any diameter and its conjugate or in the parabola, to any abscissa and the corresponding ordinate.
• (n.) A term applied to some characteristic magnitude whose value, invariable as long as one and the same function, curve, surface, etc., is considered, serves to distinguish that function, curve, surface, etc., from others of the same kind or family.

Parameter is a model is a combination of variables, such as GDP growth, and coefficients which multiply these variables. The coefficients are often estimated from the data. The coefficients are called parameters.