Variation definition

vârē-āshən, văr-
variations
See word origin
Frequency:
Declination (sense 3)
noun
18
4
Something different from another of the same type.

Told a variation of an old joke.

noun
7
2
A solo dance, especially one forming part of a larger work.
noun
4
1
Magnetic declination.
noun
4
2
(mathematics) A function that relates the values of one variable to those of other variables.
noun
4
2
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A form that is an altered version of a given theme, diverging from it by melodic ornamentation and by changes in harmony, rhythm, or key.
noun
2
0
The act, fact, or process of varying.
noun
1
0
The extent or degree to which something varies.

A variation of ten pounds in weight.

noun
1
0
One of a series of forms based on a single theme.
noun
1
0
(math.) The manner in which two or more quantities change relative to one another.
noun
1
0
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(music) The repetition of a theme or musical idea with changes or embellishments in harmony, rhythm, key, etc., esp. any of a series of such repetitions developing a single theme.
noun
1
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The act, fact, or process of varying; change or deviation in form, condition, appearance, extent, etc. from a former or usual state, or from an assumed standard.
noun
1
0
The degree or extent of such change.
noun
1
0
A deviation from the usual or parental type in structure or form.
noun
1
0
An organism showing such deviation.
noun
1
0
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(biology) The existence within a species or other group of organisms of differences in form, function, or behavior, especially when hereditary.
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The act, fact, or process of varying.
noun
0
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The extent or degree to which something varies.

A variation of ten pounds in weight.

noun
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The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing.
noun
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0
A related but distinct thing.

When the process didn't work, we tried a variation; all of his songs are variations on a single theme.

noun
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0
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(nautical) The angular difference at the vessel between the direction of true north and magnetic north. Also called magnetic declination.
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(board games) A line of play that differs from the original.
noun
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0
(music) A technique where material is repeated with alterations to the melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, texture, counterpoint or orchestration; but with some invariant characteristic, e.g. a ground bass.
noun
0
0
Variation is how much something differs from another.

An example of variation is light blue to dark blue.

noun
0
1
(biology) The existence within a species or other group of organisms of differences in form, function, or behavior, especially when hereditary.
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1
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A thing that is somewhat different from another of the same kind.
noun
0
1
(astron.) A change in or deviation from the mean motion or orbit of a planet, satellite, etc.
noun
0
1
(ballet) A solo dance.
noun
0
1

Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
variation
Plural:
variations

Origin of variation

  • From French variation, from Latin variātiō.

    From Wiktionary

Variation Sentence Examples

  • There is a good deal of variation in the colour of the fur, the prevailing tint being grey.

  • The greatest variation, however, is seen in the tentacles.

  • One variation is illustrated in fig.

  • He pointed to the admitted fact of congenital variation, and he showed that congehital variations are arbitrary and, so to speak, non-significant.

  • In some cases a pair of animals pro- ‘ duce ten million offspring, and in such a number a large range of congenital variation is possible.

More sentences

Related articles

Words near variation in the Dictionary