indeterminate

adjective

in·​de·​ter·​mi·​nate ˌin-di-ˈtər-mə-nət 

-ˈtərm-nət

1

a

: 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

indeterminately adverb

indeterminateness noun

indetermination

ˌin-di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnā-shən 

noun

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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

At the funeral, McCrane runs into Essie, a cousin of indeterminate distance, and sparks fly. —Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2024

No nerves for Mike Franks, though — a cocky, mustachioed figure of indeterminate Southern origin who wears his machismo and political incorrectness on his suspenders. —Chris Willman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2024

Yet down the road, two main attractions – Green River Cove and The Gorge, a zip line ride – are closed for the indeterminate future. —Patrik Jonsson, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Oct. 2024

In this year of indeterminate killing, sanctioned by the flag, this is said to be the responsibility of the artist. —Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 5 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

indeterminate

adjective

in·​de·​ter·​mi·​nate ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nət 

1

: not clearly or exactly decided : vague

indeterminate plans

2

: not leading to a clear end or result

indeterminately adverb

indeterminateness noun

Medical Definition

indeterminate

adjective

in·​de·​ter·​mi·​nate ˌin-di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nət 

: relating to, being, or undergoing indeterminate cleavage

an indeterminate egg