Main Entry: var·i·a·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 a : 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
2 : declination 6
3 a : 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 rhythm, tune, harmony, or key
5 a : divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average b : something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
6 a : a solo dance in classic ballet b : a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes

— var·i·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— var·i·a·tion·al·ly adverb