variation
noun
var·i·a·tion
| \ ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən
\
\
Definition of variation
1a
: the act or process of varying : the state or fact of being varied
b
: an instance of varying
c
: the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies
3a
: a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence
b
: a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function
4
: the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in such elements as rhythm, melody, harmony, key, tempo, and accompaniment
5a
: divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average
b
: something (such as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
6a
: a solo dance in classic ballet
b
: a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes
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Other Words from variation
variational
\ ˌver-ē-ˈā-shnəl
, -shə-nᵊl \
adjective
, -shə-nᵊl \
adjective
variationally
adverb
Examples of variation in a Sentence
the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story
the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color
Recent Examples on the Web
Every American deserves the right to enjoy that same comfort and confidence in their place of work—without question, variation, or interpretation. — Eric Pliner, Fortune, "Supporting LGBT Employees Is a Patriotic Act," 13 Aug. 2019 Traditional generic drugs, on the other hand, are versions of a drug that are equivalent to a brand-name drug in active ingredients and effects but may have slight variations, such as in inactive ingredients like fillers and flavors. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Big Pharma is using faux generics to keep drug prices high, critics say," 8 Aug. 2019 But variations of these two keep cropping up: Are regular places safe anymore? — Ted Anthony, The Denver Post, "“You can’t just not go”: Life in public-shooting-era America," 5 Aug. 2019 But variations of these two keep cropping up: Are regular places safe anymore? — Ted Anthony, Anchorage Daily News, "Life in public-shooting-era America: ‘You can’t just not go’," 4 Aug. 2019 But customizable variations, collaboration, and combinations seem to be the logical response to a this confounding disease; a mutating answer to a mutating problem. — Charles Graeber, WIRED, "How Scientists Built a ‘Living Drug’ to Beat Cancer," 25 July 2019 Any variation, such as handling objects with different sizes or textures, weren’t possible. — Thomas Black, latimes.com, "New, more agile robots speed the takeover of jobs once done only by humans," 13 July 2019 There are certain variations, with some detonated by a time fuse while others explode only after the vessel to which the mine is attached travels a specific distance. — Fox News, "Limpet mine used in oil tanker attacks 'bears striking resemblance' to similar Iranian Mines, US Navy says," 19 June 2019 There are also two variations of a beige shade: a clear, see-through coloring and a solid hue. — Lauren Rearick, Teen Vogue, "Melissa Released a Vegan-Friendly Collection of Jelly Shoes," 21 May 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'variation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for variation
variation
noun
English Language Learners Definition of variation
: a change in the form, position, condition, or amount of something
: something that is similar to something else but different in some way
music
: a repeated version of a short piece of music with changes in its rhythm, tune, or harmony
See the full definition for variation in the English Language Learners Dictionary
variation
noun
var·i·a·tion
| \ ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən
\
\
Kids Definition of variation
1
: a change in form, position, or condition
Our routine could use some variation.
2
: amount of change or difference
Scientists record the variations in temperature.
3
: departure from what is usual to a group
The poodle's offspring show no variation from the breed.
variation
noun
var·i·a·tion
| \ ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən, ˌvar-
\
\
Medical Definition of variation
1
: divergence in one or more characteristics of an organism or biotype from those typical of or usual for its group
2
: something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
Other Words from variation
variational
\ -shnəl, -shən-ᵊl
\
adjective
\
adjective
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