undefinierter

Undefinierter is the attributive inflected form of the German adjective undefiniert, meaning not defined or undefined. It is not a separate term but a grammatical form used to describe a noun whose value, meaning, or status has not been defined.

Usage and grammar

In standard German, undefinierter is used with masculine singular nouns in the nominative or accusative case when an indefinite article is present, as in ein undefinierter Wert. The adjective endings vary with gender, number, and case, so the corresponding forms include undefiniertes Objekt (neuter), undefinierte Größe (feminine), and undefinierte Werte (plural). The concept is common in technical and formal language, particularly in mathematics, logic, and computer science, where the idea of something lacking a defined value or meaning is frequent.

Contexts and meaning

In mathematics and logic, undefined expressions or values are described with terms such as undefiniert or undefinierter Wert. For example, a division by zero yields an undefinierter Wert. In computing, phrases like undefiniertes Verhalten or undefiniertes Ergebnis are used to describe outcomes that are not specified by the language or the current execution context. The use of undefinierter emphasizes the absence of a well-defined value rather than a temporary or contingent state.

Etymology and related forms

Undefinierter derives from undefiniert (not defined) with the standard German desinence system for adjectives. Related forms include undefiniert, undefinierte, and undefinierte Werte, depending on gender, number, and case. See also undefiniert for the base adjective.