Variable

/[ˈvæɹ.i.ə.bl̩]/ adj, noun

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Able to vary or be varied.

    "variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor"

  2. 2
    Likely to vary.

    "Lest that thy love prove likewise variable."

  3. 3
    Marked by diversity or difference.
  4. 4
    Having no fixed quantitative value.
  5. 5
    Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.
Adjective
  1. 1
    (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied wordnet
  2. 2
    liable to or capable of change wordnet
  3. 3
    marked by diversity or difference wordnet
Noun
  1. 1
    Something that is variable.
  2. 2
    a quantity that can assume any of a set of values wordnet
  3. 3
    Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.

    "There are several variables to consider here."

  4. 4
    a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity wordnet
  5. 5
    A quantity that may assume any one of a set of values.
Show 7 more definitions
  1. 6
    something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation wordnet
  2. 7
    A symbol representing a variable.
  3. 8
    a star that varies noticeably in brightness wordnet
  4. 9
    A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.
  5. 10
    A variable star.
  6. 11
    A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
  7. 12
    Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts. in-plural

Etymology

Etymology 1

Borrowed into Middle English in the 14th century from Old French variable, from Latin variare (“to change”), from varius (“different, various”). Equates to English vary + -able.

Etymology 2

Borrowed into Middle English in the 14th century from Old French variable, from Latin variare (“to change”), from varius (“different, various”). Equates to English vary + -able.

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