variable

¹var·i·able

adjective \ˈver-ē-ə-bəl\

Definition of VARIABLE

1

a : able or apt to vary : subject to variation or changes <variable winds> <variable costs>

b : fickle, inconstant

2

: characterized by variations

3

: having the characteristics of a variable

4

: not true to type : aberrant —used of a biological group or character

— var·i·abil·i·ty \ˌver-ē-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— var·i·able·ness \ˈver-ē-ə-bəl-nəs\ noun

— var·i·ably \-blē\ adverb

Examples of VARIABLE

1. The winds were light and variable.
2. The loan has a variable interest rate.

Origin of VARIABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin variabilis, from variare to vary

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VARIABLE

Synonyms

adaptable, adjustable, alterable, changeable, elastic, fluid, malleable, modifiable, pliable, flexible

Antonyms

established, fixed, immutable, inelastic, inflexible, invariable, nonmalleable, ramrod, set, unadaptable, unalterable, unbudgeable, unchangeable

Related Words

changing, fluctuating, inconstant, labile, unstable, unsteady, varying, versatile

Near Antonyms

constant, stable, steady, unchanging, uniform, unvarying

²variable

noun

Definition of VARIABLE

1

a : a quantity that may assume any one of a set of values

b : a symbol representing a variable

2

: something that is variable

3

: variable star

Examples of VARIABLE

1. unemployment and other economic variables

First Known Use of VARIABLE

1816

variable

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In algebra, a symbol (usually a letter) standing in for an unknown numerical value in an equation. Commonly used variables include x and y (real-number unknowns), z (complex-number unknowns), t (time), r (radius), and s (arc length). Variables should be distinguished from coefficients, fixed values that multiply powers of variables in polynomials and algebraic equations. In the quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0, x is the variable, and a, b, and c are coefficients whose values must be specified to solve the equation. In translating word problems into algebraic equations, quantities to be determined can be represented by variables.