Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

formal argument
     
         (Or "parameter") A name in a {function} or
        {subroutine} definition that is replaced by, or bound to, the
        corresponding {actual argument} when the function or
        subroutine is called.  In many languages formal arguments
        behave like {local variables} which get initialised on entry.
     
        See: {argument}.
     
        (2002-07-02)