1. Variables that are related to or may influence the outcome variable in a statistical analysis; factors controlled for or accounted for in research studies.
Usage: technical; statistics; plural form; singular is covariate

Examples

• In the study, age and income were included as covariates to control for their effects on the results.
• Researchers adjusted for several covariates, including education level and prior health conditions.
• The analysis used covariates to account for differences between the treatment and control groups.
• Statistical models often include covariates to reduce bias and improve accuracy.
• By controlling for covariates, the researchers could isolate the true effect of the intervention.