variable — English Dictionary

Adjective

1. Able to vary or be varied.

   Synonyms

   alterableflexiblechangeablemutable

   Antonyms

   constantinvariableimmutableunalterableunchangeable

   Examples

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

2. Likely to vary.

   Synonyms

   ficklefluctuatinginconstantshiftingunstableunsteadyup-and-down

   Antonyms

   constantinvariableimmutableunchangeable

   Examples

   Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.

3. Marked by diversity or difference.

   Synonyms

   varying

   Antonyms

   unchanging

4. Having no fixed quantitative value.

   Antonyms

   constantinvariable

5. Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.

   Synonyms

   aberrant

Noun

1. Something that is variable.

   Synonyms

   changeable

   Antonyms

   constantinvariable

2. Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.

   Synonyms

   parameter

   Examples

   There are several variables to consider here.

   More examples (1)

   Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola. A recent study explored the ecological variables that may contribute to bats’ propensity to harbor such zoonotic diseases by comparing them with another order of common reservoir hosts: rodents.

3. A quantity that may assume any one of a set of values.

   Synonyms

   variable quantity

4. A symbol representing a variable.

5. A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.

6. A variable star.

7. A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.

8. Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.

   Usage

   • in-plural

Adjective

1. liable to or capable of change

   Antonyms

   invariable

   Examples

   rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable

   variable winds

   More examples (1)

   variable expenses

2. marked by diversity or difference

   Synonyms

   varying

   Examples

   the varying angles of roof slope

   nature is infinitely variable

3. (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied

   Examples

   a variable capacitor

   variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights

Noun

1. something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation

   Broader terms

   thing

   Examples

   the weather is one variable to be considered

2. a quantity that can assume any of a set of values

   Synonyms

   variable quantity

   Broader terms

   quantity

3. a star that varies noticeably in brightness

   Synonyms

   variable star

   Broader terms

   star

4. a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity

   Broader terms

   symbol