variation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an activity that varies from a norm or standard

   Any variation in their routine was immediately reported.

2. 2
   noun

   the act of changing or altering something slightly but noticeably from the norm or standard

   who is responsible for these variations in taxation?

3. 3
   noun

   an artifact that deviates from a norm or standard

   I patented a variation on the sandal.

4. 4
   noun

   The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing.

   Plant breeding is always a numbers game.[…]The wild species we use are rich in genetic variation, and individual plants are highly heterozygous and do not breed true. In addition, we are looking for rare alleles, so the more plants we try, the better.

5. 5
   noun

   A related but distinct thing.

   When the process didn't work, we tried a variation.

6. 6
   noun

   (ballet) a solo dance or dance figure

7. 7
   noun

   something a little different from others of the same type

8. 8
   noun

   a repetition of a musical theme in which it is modified or embellished

Etymology

From Middle French variation, from Old French variacion, from Latin variātiō, from vary + -ation.