ˌvɛərɪˈeɪʃən n. 1
the act or an
instance of varying. 2
departure from a former or
normal condition,
action, or
amount, or from a
standard or
type (prices are
subject to variation). 3 the
extent of
this. 4 a
thing that varies from a type. 5 Mus. a
repetition (usu.
one of several) of a
theme in a changed or elaborated
form. 6 Astron. a
deviation of a
heavenly body from
its mean
orbit or
motion. 7
Math. a
change in a
function etc.
due to
small changes in the values of constants etc. 8
Ballet a
solo dance. øøvariational adj. [ME f. OF variation or L variatio (as VARY)]