Definition of "variable" in English

adjective

1. Able to vary or be varied.

   • variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor

2. Likely to vary.

3. Marked by diversity or difference.

4. (mathematics) Having no fixed quantitative value.

5. (biology) Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.

noun

1. Something that is variable.

2. Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.

   • There are several variables to consider here.

3. (mathematics) A quantity that may assume any one of a set of values.

4. (mathematics) A symbol representing a variable.

5. (programming) A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.

6. (astronomy) A variable star.

7. (nautical) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.

8. (nautical, in the plural) Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.