variable

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied

   a variable capacitor

2. 2
   adj

   liable to or capable of change

   rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable

3. 3
   adj

   Able to vary or be varied.

   variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor

4. 4
   adj

   Likely to vary.

   Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.

5. 5
   noun

   Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.

   There are several variables to consider here.

6. 6
   adj

   marked by diversity or difference

7. 7
   noun

   a quantity that can assume any of a set of values

8. 8
   noun

   a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity

Etymology

Borrowed into Middle English in the 14th century from Old French variable, from Latin variare (“to change”), from varius (“different, various”). Equates to English vary + -able.