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control variable
[kən′trōl ‚ver·ē·ə·bəl](control systems)
One of the input variables of a control system, such as motor torque or the opening of a valve, which can be varied directly by the operator to maximize some measure of performance of the system.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.