What is the meaning of a variable that is defined prior to a Scala function?

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The meaning of a variable that is defined prior to a Scala function is that it is a parameter to the function. This means that the variable will be passed to the function as an input when the function is called, and the function can then use the value of the variable in its calculations or operations. The variable is essentially a way for the caller of the function to provide input to the function, and it allows the function to be more flexible and customizable by allowing different inputs to be used each time it is called.