Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Variable
Va′ri-a-ble
,Adj.
[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
. Shakespeare
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-rate mortgage
(Finance)
, a mortgage whose percentage interest rate varies depending on some agreed standard, such as the prime rate; – used often in financing the purchase of a home. Such a mortgage usually has a lower initial interest rate than a
– fixed-rate mortgage
, and this permits buyers of a home to finance the purchase a house of higher price than would be possible with a fixed-rate loan. Variable stars
(Astron.)
, fixed stars which vary in their brightness, usually in more or less uniform periods.
Syn. – Changeable; mutable; fickle; wavering; unsteady; versatile; inconstant.
Va′ri-a-ble
,Noun.
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
, x and y are 2
- y2
= R2
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
There may be two or more independent variables in an equation or problem. Cf. x
, if arbitrary changes are supposed to be given to x, then x is the 2
- y2
= R2
independent variable
, and y is called a function of x. Dependent variable
, under Dependent
.Webster 1828 Edition
Variable
VA'RIABLE
,Adj.
1.
That may vary or alter; capable of alteration in any manner; changeable; as variable winds or seasons; variable colors.2.
Susceptible of change; liable to change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable.His heart I know, how variable and vain.
3.
In mathematics, subject to continual increase or decrease; in opposition to constant, retaining the same value.VA'RIABLE
,Noun.