n. [ Cf. F. variabilité. ] 1. The quality or state of being variable; variableness. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Biol.) The power possessed by living organisms, both animal and vegetable, of adapting themselves to modifications or changes in their environment, thus possibly giving rise to ultimate variation of structure or function. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable. [ 1913 Webster ]

Lest that thy love prove likewise variable. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

His heart, I know, how variable and vain! Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Changeable; mutable; fickle; wavering; unsteady; versatile; inconstant. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 x2 - y2 = R2, x and y are variables. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 x2 - y2 = R2, 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality or state of being variable; variability. James i. 17. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a variable manner. [ 1913 Webster ]