(n): a quantity that does not vary
(n): any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance
(n): anything that contributes causally to a result
(n): (computer science) a reference or value that is passed to a function, procedure, subroutine, command, or program
(n): (computer science) the code that identifies where a piece of information is stored
(n): a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
(n): a quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data
(n): the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable
I had always taken the phrase "within those parameters" to set up a metaphor of like a simulation with certain presets, and the outcome matched to whatever was run within them.
While I agree, it seems that this battle has already been fought and lost. See #4 at
http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/parameter.
The endemic misuse of this word as a synonym for 'perimeter' - i.e. "within those parameters" - is a constant source of irritation for me. The French have both 'périmètre' and 'paramètre' and manage not to confound them.