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