1 indeterminate | Definition of indeterminate

indeterminate

adjective
in·​de·​ter·​mi·​nate | \ ˌin-di-ˈtərm-nət How to pronounce indeterminate (audio) , -ˈtər-mə-\

Definition of indeterminate

1a : not definitely or precisely determined or fixed : vague
b : not known in advance
c : not leading to a definite end or result
2 : having an infinite number of solutions a system of indeterminate equations
3 : being one of the seven undefined mathematical expressions {latex}\frac{0}{0}, \frac{\infty}{\infty}, \infty \cdot 0, 1^{\infty}, 0^{0}, \infty^{0}, \infty - \infty{/latex}
4 : characterized by sequential flowering from the lateral or basal buds to the central or uppermost buds also : characterized by growth in which the main stem continues to elongate indefinitely without being limited by a terminal inflorescence — compare determinate sense 4

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Other Words from indeterminate

indeterminately adverb
indeterminateness noun
indetermination \ ˌin-​di-​ˌtər-​mə-​ˈnā-​shən How to pronounce indetermination (audio) \ noun

Did You Know?

When you determine something, you decide on what it is, which means you put limits or boundaries on its identity. So something indeterminate lacks identifying limits. A mutt is usually the product of indeterminate breeding, since at least the father's identity is generally a mystery. A painting of indeterminate origins is normally less valued than one with the painter's name on it. And if negotiations are left in an indeterminate state, nothing has been decided.

Examples of indeterminate in a Sentence

an indeterminate number of people

Recent Examples on the Web

That glorious season of fresh pencils and new beginnings, when your kid’s clothes aren’t yet covered in unsightly stains of indeterminate origin, and anything seems possible. Yvonne Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, "This school year is going to be totally different, I swear!," 28 Aug. 2019 The latest revelation involves a massive painting showing a young woman of indeterminate age wearing a wedding ring and cuddled up beside a roaring big cat. Fox News, "Overstock CEO resigns amid ties to Russia probe, says he received 'fishy orders' from ex-FBI official Strzok," 23 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indeterminate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of indeterminate

1603, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for indeterminate

Middle English indeterminat, from Late Latin indeterminatus, from Latin in- + determinatus, past participle of determinare to determine

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More Definitions for indeterminate

indeterminate

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of indeterminate

formal : not able to be stated or described in an exact way

indeterminate

adjective
in·​de·​ter·​mi·​nate | \ ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nət How to pronounce indeterminate (audio) \

Medical Definition of indeterminate

: relating to, being, or undergoing indeterminate cleavage an indeterminate egg

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More from Merriam-Webster on indeterminate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for indeterminate

Spanish Central: Translation of indeterminate

Nglish: Translation of indeterminate for Spanish Speakers

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