I. ˈverēəbəl, ˈva(a)r-, ˈvār- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin variabilis, from variare to vary + -abilis -able
1.
a. : able or apt to vary or change : susceptible or subject to variation or changes : changeable , shifting
variable winds
a variable climate
a variable speech habit — Stanley Newman
variable manufacturing expenses — Cost Accounting
b. : fickle , unsteady , inconstant
lest thy love prove likewise variable — Shakespeare
2. : characterized by variations or by varying : marked by diversity or difference
nature is infinitely variable — John Burroughs
the variable and tuneful warblings of the nonpareil — William Bartram
3. : admitting change or variation : alterable
a variable period of three days to two weeks
the annual fair begins on a variable date in October
a variable angle
4. : being or having the characteristics of a variable
a variable number
5. : not true to type : aberrant , inconstant — used of a biological group or a biological character
II. noun
( -s )
1. : something that is variable : something that varies, may vary, or is liable to vary : something subject to change
2.
a. : a quantity that may assume any one of a specified set of values — see dependent variable , independent variable , statistical variable
b.
(1) : a symbol in a mathematical formula representing a variable : placeholder
the value of the function f(x) is determined by the value of the variablex
(2) : a symbol in a logistical formula that stands for any one of a class of things ; especially : free variable — see bound variable , individual variable , predicate variable
3. variables plural : an area or belt of ocean where the winds do not usually blow steadily : a region of calm ; specifically : doldrums
4. : variable star
5. : a course in a school curriculum that may or may not be included in a pupil's program — contrasted with constant