n. (Statistics) 1. one of the distinct states of affairs or values of the independent variable for which the dependent variables are measured in order to carry out statistical tests or calculations. For example, a test of a new drug may involve two experimental conditions, in one of which subjects receive the new drug and in the other a placebo. 2. in particular, a condition in which there is some intervention by the experimenter, as contrasted with the control condition. In this sense, in the example above, only those subjects who receive the drug are subject to the experimental condition.