Hypertext Webster Gateway: "variable"

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) 1.7 (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


Additional Hypertext Webster Gateway Lookup

Enter word here:
Exact Approx


dict.stokkie.net
Gateway by dict@stokkie.net
stock only wrote the gateway and does not have any control over the contents; see the Webster Gateway FAQ, and also the Back-end/database links and credits.