control
/kənˈtɹəʊl/ · con·trol
noun
- Influence or authority over something. The government has complete control over the situation.
- A separate group or subject in an experiment against which the results are compared where the primary variable is low or non-existent. The control group received a placebo treatment to compare with the experimental group.
- The method and means of governing the performance of any apparatus, machine or system, such as a lever, handle or button. The control panel allowed the pilot to adjust the aircraft's altitude and speed.
verb
- To exercise influence over; to suggest or dictate the behavior of. With a simple remote, he could control the toy truck.
- To design (an experiment) so that the effects of one or more variables are reduced or eliminated. The researcher controlled for the variables that might affect the outcome of the study.
Did you know? The word 'control' has become increasingly important in modern times, particularly in the context of technology and artificial intelligence, where it is used to describe the ability to regulate and direct complex systems.