| Noun | 1. | variable - something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation; "the weather is one variable to be considered"thing - a separate and self-contained entity | |
| 2. | variable - a quantity that can assume any of a set of valuesquantity - something that has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable argument - a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value determines the dependent variable; if f(x)=y, x is the independent variable degree of freedom - (statistics) an unrestricted variable in a frequency distribution dependent variable - (statistics) a variable in a logical or mathematical expression whose value depends in the independent variable; if f(x)=y, y is the dependent variable predictor variable - a variable that can be used to predict the value of another variable (as in statistical regression) scalar - a variable quantity that cannot be resolved into components tensor - a generalization of the concept of a vector vector - a variable quantity that can be resolved into components | |
| 3. | variable - a star that varies noticeably in brightnessstar - (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior | |
| 4. | variable - a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantitysymbol - an arbitrary sign (written or printed) that has acquired a conventional significance placeholder - a symbol in a logical or mathematical expression that can be replaced by the name of any member of specified set | |
| Adj. | 1. | variable - liable to or capable of change; "rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable"; "variable winds"; "variable expenses"inconsistent - displaying a lack of consistency; "inconsistent statements"; "inconsistent with the roadmap" inconstant - likely to change frequently often without apparent or cogent reason; variable; "inconstant affections"; "an inconstant lover"; "swear not by...the inconstant moon"- Shakespeare invariable - not liable to or capable of change; "an invariable temperature"; "an invariable rule"; "his invariable courtesy" | |
| 2. | variable - marked by diversity or difference; "the varying angles of roof slope"; "nature is infinitely variable"varied - characterized by variety; "immigrants' varied ethnic and religious traditions"; "his work is interesting and varied" | |
| 3. | variable - (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"adaptable - capable of adapting (of becoming or being made suitable) to a particular situation or use; "to succeed one must be adaptable"; "the frame was adaptable to cloth bolts of different widths" | |