[1] : The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03)

free variable
     
        1. a variable referred to in a function, which is not an
        argument of the function.  in lambda-calculus, x is a bound
        variable in the term m = \ x . t, and a free variable of t.
        we say x is bound in m and free in t.  if t contains a subterm
        \ x . u then x is rebound in this term.  this nested, inner
        binding of x is said to "shadow" the outer binding.
        occurrences of x in u are free occurrences of the new x.
     
        variables bound at the top level of a program are technically
        free variables within the terms to which they are bound but
        are often treated specially because they can be compiled as
        fixed addresses.  similarly, an identifier bound to a
        recursive function is also technically a free variable within
        its own body but is treated specially.
     
        a closed term is one containing no free variables.
     
        see also closure, lambda lifting, scope.
     
        2. in logic, a variable which is not quantified see
        quantifier.
     
     
see also:
lambda-calculus bound variable closed term closure lambda lifting scope 
logic quantifier 

Free >> F Words
Free, definition of term: Free
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Free School >> F Words
Free School, definition of term: Free School
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Free Radical >> F Words
Free Radical, definition of term: Free Radical
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Free Port >> F Words
Free Port, definition of term: Free Port
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Free Software >> F Words
Free Software, definition of term: Free Software
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Free Spirit >> F Words
Free Spirit, definition of term: Free Spirit
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Free Time >> F Words
Free Time, definition of term: Free Time
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Free Throw >> F Words
Free Throw, definition of term: Free Throw
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Free Stuff >> F Words
Free Stuff, definition of term: Free Stuff
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Free Morpheme >> F Words
Free Morpheme, definition of term: Free Morpheme
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