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—variability, variableness, n. —variably, adv./vair"ee euh beuhl/, adj.1. apt or liable to vary or change; changeable: variable weather; variable moods.2. capable of being varied or changed; alterable: a variable time limit for completion of a book.3. inconstant; fickle: a variable lover.4. having much variation or diversity.5. Biol. deviating from the usual type, as a species or a specific character.6. Astron. (of a star) changing in brightness.7. Meteorol. (of wind) tending to change in direction.8. Math. having the nature or characteristics of a variable.n.9. something that may or does vary; a variable feature or factor.10. Math., Computers.a. a quantity or function that may assume any given value or set of values.b. a symbol that represents this.11. Logic. (in the functional calculus) a symbol for an unspecified member of a class of things or statements. Cf. bound variable, free variable.12. Astron. See variable star.13. Meteorol.a. a shifting wind, esp. as distinguished from a trade wind.b. variables, doldrums (def. 2a).[1350-1400; late ME < L variabilis, equiv. to vari(us) VARIOUS + -abilis -ABLE]Syn. 3. vacillating, wavering, fluctuating, unsteady, mercurial.Ant. 1, 3. constant.
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ICommonly 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.II(as used in expressions)* * *
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variable — [ varjabl ] adj. et n. • fin XII e; lat. variabilis 1 ♦ Qui est susceptible de se modifier, de changer souvent au cours d une durée. ⇒ changeant, 1. incertain, instable. Temps variable. N. m. Météor. L aiguille du baromètre est au variable, sur… … Encyclopédie Universelle
Variable — Va ri*a*ble, a. [L. variabilis: cf. F. variable.] [1913 Webster] 1. Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity. [1913 Webster] 2. Liable to… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Variable — Variable, dt. Veränderliche bezeichnet: Variable (Philosophie), ein in der Philosophie mit unterschiedlichen Interpretationen belegter Begriff Variable (Programmierung), in der Informationstechnik ein Speicherplatz abhängige und unabhängige… … Deutsch Wikipedia
Variable — Va ri*a*ble, n. 1. That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change. [1913 Webster] 2. (Math.) A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
variable — adj. de tout genre. Sujet à varier, qui change souvent. En ce climat les saisons sont fort variables. temps variable. vent variable. la fortune est variable. c est un esprit variable. il est variable dans ses opinions, dans ses resolutions … Dictionnaire de l'Académie française
variable — (Del lat. variabĭlis). 1. adj. Que varía o puede variar. 2. Inestable, inconstante y mudable. 3. f. Mat. Magnitud que puede tener un valor cualquiera de los comprendidos en un conjunto. variable estadística. f. Mat. Magnitud cuyos valores están… … Diccionario de la lengua española
variable — Variable, Versutus, Inconstans, Mobilis, Desultorius. Estre variable et legier, Fidem mutare. Amitié variable, Desultoria amicitia, id est, identidem euarians, non constans … Thresor de la langue françoyse
variable — ► ADJECTIVE 1) not consistent or having a fixed pattern; liable to vary. 2) able to be changed or adapted. 3) Mathematics (of a quantity) able to assume different numerical values. ► NOUN 1) a variable element, feature, or quantity. 2) Astronomy… … English terms dictionary
variable — sujeto a variación. Inestable, inconstante y mudable. Valor numérico sobre el que puede establecerse una curva de variabilidad Diccionario ilustrado de Términos Médicos.. Alvaro Galiano. 2010. variable Factor de un experimento científico que… … Diccionario médico
variable — [ver′ē ə bəl, var′ē ə bəl] adj. [ME < MFr < L variabilis] 1. apt or likely to change or vary; changeable, inconstant, fickle, fluctuating, etc. 2. that can be changed or varied 3. Biol. tending to deviate in some way from the type; aberrant … English World dictionary
variable — I adjective aberrant, alterable, capricious, changeable, changeful, erratic, faithless, fanciful, fast and loose, fickle, fitful, fluctuating, inconstant, irregular, irresponsible, mercurial, modifiable, oscillating, protean, shifting, spasmodic … Law dictionary