ˌverēˈāshən, ˌva(a)r-, ˌvār- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin variation-, variatio, from variatus (past participle of variare to vary) + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : the act of varying : the process, state, or fact of being varied : change in the form, position, state, or quality of something : modification , alteration , mutation , diversification
things incapable of variation
b. : an instance of varying
long for a variation in our routine
an agreeable variation in weather
c. : an embellishing change
telling his story again with variations
d. : extent to which or range in which a thing varies : degree of departure from norm or type : amount or rate of change
great variations in speed
within the limits of barometric variation
2.
a. : the compass error caused by the earth's magnetic field and measured as the angle between true north and north as indicated by a compass needle unaffected by any other influence
b. : declination 6
3. : a change in the mean motion or mean orbit of a planet or other celestial body
the variation of the moon depending on its angular distance from the sun
4.
a. : permutation 3b
b. : the sequence +- or -+ in a row of such signs or of terms affected by them — opposed to permanence
c. : lack of uniformity in statistical observations or measures
5.
a. : the repetition of a theme or melody with embellishments or modifications in rhythm, tune, harmony, or key
b. variations plural : the varied repetitions of a theme in a theme and variations
6.
a. : divergence in structural or functional qualities of an organism or biotype from those typical or usual to the group of which it is a part (as divergence of offspring from parent) usually including fundamental hereditary changes through which natural selection works to induce evolutionary development as well as purely individual fluctuations that lack evolutionary significance — compare adaptation , mutation
b. : an individual or group exhibiting variation : variant
7.
a. : a continuation (as in notes to a tournament game) from a given position different from that actually played in a chess game
b. : one of a family of opening continuations branching off from an initial common sequence
8. : the maximum angular displacement in electrical degrees between the voltage wave of an alternating-current circuit or machine and a wave whose constant frequency is the average frequency of the circuit or machine
9. : the maximum angular or phase displacement of the revolving member or armature of a machine from the position of uniform rotation — compare pulsation 3
10.
a. : a solo dance in ballet
b. : a repetition in modern dance composition of a movement sequence with changes