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| var·i·a·tion [ vérree áysh'n ] (plural var·i·a·tions) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. act of varying: the act or a result of varying
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2. state of differing: the state or fact of differing, e.g. from a former state or value, from others of the same type, or from a standard
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3. degree of difference: the degree to which something differs, e.g. from a former state or value, from others of the same type, or from a standard
  There is a variation of several points in the test scores.
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4. something differing slightly: something that differs slightly from the norm
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5. music altered version of musical theme: an altered version of an original musical theme or melody, such that the rhythm or harmony is varied or melodic embellishment is added. Variations are often found in sets, where a theme is followed by several variations.
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6. music repetition of musical theme: the repetition of a musical theme with modifications of melody, rhythm, or harmony
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7. mathematics mathematical function: a mathematical function that relates the values of one variable to those of other variables
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8. biology biological deviation: a significant deviation from the normal biological form, function, or structure
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9. biology living organism that differs: a living organism that differs from the normal form for its kind
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10. ballet solo dance: a dance performed by a single dancer
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11. astronomy change in orbit: a change in or deviation from the average motion or orbit of an astronomical object
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12. astronomy term in equation describing Moon's motion: a term representing the gravitational attraction of the Sun on the Earth-Moon system in the mathematical equation for the Moon's motion
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13. physics
Same as magnetic declination
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14. linguistics linguistic change: a change in conjugation, declension, inflection, or vowel form
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| [14th century. Directly or via French< Latin variation-< variare (see vary)] |
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| var·i·a·tion·al adjective |
| var·i·a·tion·al·ly adverb |
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