[var.i.a.tion] n (14c) 1 a: the act or process of varying: the state or fact of being varied b: an instance of varying c: the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies
2: declination
6. 3 a: a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence b: a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function
4: the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in rhythm, tune, harmony, or key
5. a: divergence in the characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average b: something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
6. a: a solo dance in classic ballet b: a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes -- var.i.a.tion.al adj -- var.i.a.tion.al.ly adv