ˈvɛərɪəbl adj. & n. --adj. 1 a
that can be
varied or adapted (a
rod of variable
length;
the pressure is variable). b (of a gear) designed to
give varying speeds. 2
apt to
vary;
not constant;
unsteady (a variable mood; variable fortunes). 3
Math. (of a quantity)
indeterminate;
able to
assume different numerical values. 4 (of wind or currents) tending to
change direction. 5 Astron. (of a star) periodically varying in brightness. 6
Bot. & Zool. (of a species) including individuals or groups that
depart from the
type. 7 Biol. (of an
organism or
part of it) tending to change in
structure or
function. --n. 1 a variable
thing or
quantity. 2 Math. a variable quantity. 3 Naut. a a shifting wind. b (in pl.) the
region between the NE
and SE
trade winds. øøvariability n. variableness n. variably adv. [ME f. OF f. L variabilis (as VARY)]