variation

 
Pronunciation: /vɛːrɪˈeɪʃ(ə)n/

noun

  • 1a change or slight difference in condition, amount, or level, typically within certain limits: regional variations in house prices [mass noun]: the figures showed marked variation from year to year
  • Astronomy a deviation of a celestial body from its mean orbit or motion.
  • Mathematics a change in the value of a function due to small changes in the values of its argument or arguments.
  • (also magnetic variation) the angular difference between true north and magnetic north at a particular place.
  • [mass noun] Biology the occurrence of an organism in more than one distinct colour or form.
  • 2a different or distinct form or version of something: hurling is an Irish variation of hockey
  • Music a version of a theme, modified in melody, rhythm, harmony, or ornamentation, so as to present it in a new but still recognizable form: Elgar’s Enigma Variations
  • Ballet a solo dance as part of a performance: he makes the preparation for his variation with utmost care and accuracy

Derivatives

variational

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English (denoting variance or conflict): from Old French, or from Latin variatio(n-), from the verb variare (see vary)