liable to or capable of change; rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable; variable winds; variable expenses'

something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation; the weather is one variable to be considered'

a quantity that can assume any of a set of values

[ Syn: variable quantity ]

a star that varies noticeably in brightness

[ Syn: variable star ]

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

marked by diversity or difference; the varying angles of roof slope; nature is infinitely variable

[ Syn: varying ]

(used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied; a variable capacitor; variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights'