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variablemore about variable

variable

 

  3  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Variable  \Va"ri*a*ble\,  n. 
  1.  That  which  is  variable;  that  which  varies,  or  is  subject 
  to  change. 
 
  2.  (Math.)  A  quantity  which  may  increase  or  decrease;  a 
  quantity  which  admits  of  an  infinite  number  of  values  in 
  the  same  expression;  a  variable  quantity;  as  in  the 
  equation  x^{2}  -  y^{2}  =  R^{2},  x  and  y  are  variables. 
 
  3.  (Naut.) 
  a  A  shifting  wind,  or  one  that  varies  in  force. 
  b  pl  Those  parts  of  the  sea  where  a  steady  wind  is  not 
  expected,  especially  the  parts  between  the  trade-wind 
  belts. 
 
  {Independent  variable}  (Math.),  that  one  of  two  or  more 
  variables,  connected  with  each  other  in  any  way  whatever, 
  to  which  changes  are  supposed  to  be  given  at  will  Thus 
  in  the  equation  x^{2}  -  y^{2}  =  R^{2},  if  arbitrary 
  changes  are  supposed  to  be  given  to  x,  then  x  is  the 
  independent  variable,  and  y  is  called  a  function  of  x. 
  There  may  be  two  or  more  independent  variables  in  an 
  equation  or  problem.  Cf  {Dependent  variable},  under 
  {Dependent}. 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Variable  \Va"ri*a*ble\,  a.  [L.  variabilis:  cf  F.  variable.] 
  1.  Having  the  capacity  of  varying  or  changing;  capable  of 
  alternation  in  any  manner;  changeable;  as  variable  winds 
  or  seasons;  a  variable  quantity. 
 
  2.  Liable  to  vary;  too  susceptible  of  change;  mutable; 
  fickle;  unsteady;  inconstant;  as  the  affections  of  men 
  are  variable;  passions  are  variable. 
 
  Lest  that  thy  love  prove  likewise  variable.  --Shak. 
 
  His  heart,  I  know  how  variable  and  vain!  --Milton. 
 
  {Variable  exhaust}  (Steam  Eng.),  a  blast  pipe  with  an 
  adjustable  opening. 
 
  {Variable  quantity}  (Math.),  a  variable. 
 
  {Variable  stars}  (Astron.),  fixed  stars  which  vary  in  their 
  brightness,  usually  in  more  or  less  uniform  periods. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  variable 
  adj  1:  liable  to  or  capable  of  change;  "rainfall  in  the  tropics  is 
  notoriously  variable";  "variable  winds";  "variable 
  expenses"  [ant:  {invariable}] 
  2:  marked  by  diversity  or  difference;  "the  varying  angles  of 
  roof  slope";  "nature  is  infinitely  variable"  [syn:  {varying}] 
  3:  (used  of  a  device)  designed  so  that  a  property  (as  e.g. 
  light)  can  be  varied;  "a  variable  capacitor";  "variable 
  filters  in  front  of  the  mercury  xenon  lights" 
  n  1:  something  that  is  likely  to  vary;  something  that  is  subject 
  to  variation;  "the  weather  is  one  variable  to  be 
  considered" 
  2:  a  quantity  that  can  assume  any  of  a  set  of  values  [syn:  {variable 
  quantity}] 
  3:  a  star  that  varies  noticeably  in  brightness  [syn:  {variable 
  star}] 
  4:  a  symbol  (like  x  or  y)  that  is  used  in  mathematical  or 
  logical  expressions  to  represent  a  variable  quantity




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