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
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
Because the farewells known by the Baek family are permanent — or, at least, for the indeterminate future — the moment Noa leaves is charged; everyone is sad.
—
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for indeterminate 
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Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Oct. 2024
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
See all Example Sentences for indeterminate
Dictionary Entries Near indeterminate
Cite this Entry
“Indeterminate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indeterminate. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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