variation: Meaning and Definition of

var•i•a•tion

1. the act, process, or accident of varying in condition, character, or degree: Prices are subject to variation.
2. an instance of this: There is a variation in the quality of fabrics in this shipment.
3. amount, rate, extent, or degree of change: a temperature variation of 40° in a particular climate.
4. a different form of something; variant.
1. the transformation of a melody or theme with changes or elaborations in harmony, rhythm, and melody.
2. a varied form of a melody or theme, esp. one of a series of such forms developing the capacities of the subject.
6. a solo dance, esp. one forming a section of a pas de deux.
7. any deviation from the mean orbit of a heavenly body, esp. of a planetary or satellite orbit.
8. Also calledthe angle between the geographic and the magnetic meridian at a given point, expressed in plus degrees east or minus degrees west of true north. Cf.(def. 4).
9. a difference or deviation in structure or character from others of the same species or group.