variable: Meaning and Definition of

var•i•a•ble

1. apt or liable to vary or change; changeable: variable weather; variable moods.
2. capable of being varied or changed; alterable: a variable time limit for completion of a book.
3. inconstant; fickle: a variable lover.
4. having much variation or diversity.
5. deviating from the usual type, as a species or a specific character.
6. (of a star) changing in brightness.
7. (of wind) tending to change in direction.
8. having the nature or characteristics of a variable.

1. something that may or does vary; a variable feature or factor.
1. a quantity or function that may assume any given value or set of values.
2. a symbol that represents this.
3. (in the functional calculus) a symbol for an unspecified member of a class of things or statements. Cf.
4. See
1. a shifting wind, esp. as distinguished from a trade wind.
2. variables,doldrums (def. 2a).