predictor

American  

[pri-dik-ter] / prɪˈdɪk tər /

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.

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predictor British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of predictor

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

Example Sentences

Rising income inequality, recent research shows, is a key predictor of the erosion of democratic institutions, and the “care economy,” which is disproportionately shouldered by women, sits at the heart of this challenge.

From Salon

County health officials cautioned that Australia’s experience isn’t a solid predictor of what happens locally.

From Los Angeles Times

We found that human capital was the strongest predictor of mobility.

From The Wall Street Journal

Indeed, shifting levels of liquidity have been a “fairly good predictor of where bitcoin is going,” Kramer added.

From MarketWatch

"Sleep should be recognized not only as a recovery tool, but also as a potential predictor of injury vulnerability in recreational sports."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• prognosticator
• seer
• witch