var·i·a·ble (vâr - -b l, v r -)adj.1. a. Likely to change or vary; subject to variation; changeable. b. Inconstant; fickle. 2. Biology Tending to deviate, as from a normal or recognized type; aberrant. 3. Mathematics Having no fixed quantitative value. n.1. Something that varies or is prone to variation. 2. Astronomy A variable star. 3. Mathematics a. A quantity capable of assuming any of a set of values. b. A symbol representing such a quantity. For example, in the expression a2 + b2 = c2, a, b, and c are variables.
var i·a·ble·ness n. var i·a·bly adv. |
variable Adjective 1. likely to change at any time: variable weather 2. Maths having a range of possible values Noun 1. something that is subject to variation 2. Maths an expression that can be assigned any of a set of values [Latin variare to diversify] variability n variably adv
variable (vâr - -b l)1. A mathematical quantity capable of assuming any of a set of values, such as x in the expression 3x + 2. 2. A factor or condition that is subject to change, especially one that is allowed to change in a scientific experiment to test a hypothesis. See more at control. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. | variable - something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation; "the weather is one variable to be considered"thing - a separate and self-contained entity | | 2. | variable - a quantity that can assume any of a set of valuesquantity - the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable argument - a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable degree of freedom - (statistics) an unrestricted variable in a frequency distribution dependent variable - (statistics) a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value depends on the independent variable; "if f(x)=y, y is the dependent variable" predictor variable - a variable that can be used to predict the value of another variable (as in statistical regression) infinitesimal - (mathematics) a variable that has zero as its limit scalar - a variable quantity that cannot be resolved into components tensor - a generalization of the concept of a vector vector - a variable quantity that can be resolved into components | | 3. | variable - a star that varies noticeably in brightnessstar - (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior | | 4. | variable - a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantitysymbol - an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance placeholder - a symbol in a logical or mathematical expression that can be replaced by the name of any member of specified set | | Adj. | 1. | variable - liable to or capable of change; "rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable"; "variable winds"; "variable expenses"inconsistent - displaying a lack of consistency; "inconsistent statements cannot both be true at the same time"; "inconsistent with the roadmap" inconstant - likely to change frequently often without apparent or cogent reason; variable; "inconstant affections"; "an inconstant lover"; "swear not by...the inconstant moon"- Shakespeare invariable - not liable to or capable of change; "an invariable temperature"; "an invariable rule"; "his invariable courtesy" | | 2. | variable - marked by diversity or difference; "the varying angles of roof slope"; "nature is infinitely variable"varied - characterized by variety; "immigrants' varied ethnic and religious traditions"; "his work is interesting and varied" | | 3. | variable - (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied; "a variable capacitor"; "variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights"adaptable - capable of adapting (of becoming or being made suitable) to a particular situation or use; "to succeed one must be adaptable"; "the frame was adaptable to cloth bolts of different widths" |
variable adjective changeable, unstable, fluctuating, shifting, flexible, wavering, uneven, fickle, temperamental, mercurial, capricious, unsteady, protean, vacillating, fitful, mutable, inconstant, chameleonic << OPPOSITE constant
Translations variable [ˈvɛərɪəbl] adj ( likely to change) ( mood, quality, weather) → veränderlich, wechselhaft; ( able to be changed) ( temperature, height, speed) → variabel
variable, variation vary
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