direct variation

noun

1

: mathematical relationship between two variables that can be expressed by an equation in which one variable is equal to a constant times the other

2

: an equation or function expressing direct variation compare inverse variation

Examples of direct variation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Clooney, playing such a direct variation on himself, does an expert job of showing us celebrity from the inside out, deconstructing the very notion of stardom. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for direct variation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

direct variation

noun

1

: mathematical relationship between two variables which can be expressed by an equation in which one variable is equal to a constant times the other

2

: an equation or function expressing direct variation compare inverse variation sense 2