1. A variable that is related to the dependent variable in a statistical analysis and is controlled for or adjusted in the analysis to improve accuracy.
Usage: technical; statistics

Examples

• In the study, age was included as a covariate to account for differences between groups.
• Researchers used socioeconomic status as a covariate in their analysis of educational outcomes.
• The regression model included several covariates to reduce confounding effects.
• By controlling for the covariate of prior experience, the researchers could isolate the effect of the new treatment.
• Statistical software allows you to specify covariates that should be adjusted for in the analysis.