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variable

adj. · n.
US //ˈvɛɹiəbəɫ// UK //vˈeəɹɪəbəl// vari·able
  1. 1 likely to change (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    changing often or likely to change.

    subject to variation or changes; not remaining constant in quality, degree, or type.

    Example

    The weather in the mountains is very variable, so you should bring a jacket.

    Example

    The quality of the local produce remains highly variable depending on the seasonal rainfall and the specific farming techniques employed.
  2. 2 a changing factor (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    a factor or condition that can change and affect the result of something.

    an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change, especially within a scientific experiment.

    Example

    Temperature is a key variable that affects how fast the plants grow.

    Example

    The researchers attempted to control every possible variable, yet the final results still showed significant discrepancies between the two test groups.
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  1. 3 math/computing value (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a symbol or name that represents a value that can change.

    a quantity that may assume any one of a set of values; in programming, a named memory location for storing data.

    Example

    In this equation, 'x' is the variable we need to solve for.

    Example

    The developer declared a global variable to track the user's score across different levels of the application.
  2. 4 astronomy (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a star whose brightness changes over time.

    a star whose luminosity changes, either irregularly or somewhat regularly.

    Example

    The astronomer spent months tracking the brightness of the variable.

    Example

    Observations of this particular variable suggest that its pulsation period is shortening as it enters a new stage of stellar evolution.
    • variable star
  3. 5 nautical/weather (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical

    winds that change direction often, or areas of the sea where this happens.

    a shifting wind or one that varies in force; in the plural, regions of the sea where steady winds are absent.

    Example

    The ship struggled to make progress while stuck in the variables.

    Example

    The captain noted that the light variables were making navigation difficult, as the sails could not catch a consistent breeze.
    • shifting wind
    • trade wind
Origin

Borrowed into Middle English in the 14th century from Old French variable, from Latin variare (“to change”), from varius (“different, various”). Equates to English vary + -able.

Word family

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