Variation (Noun)
Meaning 1
An instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Examples
- The company's profits showed a significant variation from one quarter to the next due to fluctuations in the market.
- Changes in temperature and humidity led to variation in the experiment's results.
- There is considerable variation in the size and shape of the different breeds of domesticated dogs.
- A variation of two feet in the predicted sea level rise significantly impacts the coastal residents' living situation.
- Naturally occurring genetic variation in the population accounted for the diversity in human heights within the sample.
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Meaning 2
The angle (at a particular location) between magnetic north and true north.
Classification
Nouns denoting two and three dimensional shapes.
Examples
- Pilots need to be aware of the variation at their location to accurately navigate using a magnetic compass.
- A large variation in declination exists near the magnetic North Pole, which makes magnetic compass navigation less reliable in those areas.
- Aviation charts usually provide the magnetic variation at the location of each airfield or airport to assist pilots in navigating safely.
- Mariners must consider the variation in magnetic declination when charting their course using celestial navigation techniques.
- Before plotting a course, the pilot calculated the local magnetic variation to adjust the magnetic compass reading and match it to the charted course.
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Meaning 3
(ballet) a solo dance or dance figure.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The ballerina's variation showcased her technical skill and artistic expression in a beautiful display of movement.
- The choreographer carefully crafted each variation to highlight the unique qualities of the dancers.
- In the grand ballet, the principal dancer's variation was the most anticipated and highly praised part of the performance.
- The variation was a challenging combination of turns and leaps that required great strength and control.
- The dancer's variation was a stunning interpretation of the music, with each step and gesture perfectly in time.
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Meaning 4
The act of changing or altering something slightly but noticeably from the norm or standard; "who is responsible for these variations in taxation?".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The company's new policy has led to a variation in the way employees are evaluated for promotions.
- The artist's use of color was a deliberate variation from the traditional style of the period.
- The team's success was due in part to their ability to introduce variation in their gameplay.
- The variation in climate between the two cities made it difficult to choose which place to visit first.
- The musicians played a beautiful variation of the classic piece, showcasing their creativity and skill.
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Meaning 5
(astronomy) any perturbation of the mean motion or orbit of a planet or satellite (especially a perturbation of the earth's moon).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural phenomena.
Examples
- The orbital variation of the Earth's moon results in periodic changes to the timing of its phases.
- The planet's irregular shape caused a significant variation in its orbital path around the star.
- Scientists studied the lunar variation to better understand the gravitational influences on the moon's orbit.
- The orbital variation of the moon has been a topic of study for astronomers trying to improve their lunar eclipse predictions.
- Researchers found that the variation in the moon's orbit is largely caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Earth.
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Meaning 6
Something a little different from others of the same type; "an experimental version of the night fighter"; "a variant of the same word"; "an emery wheel is the modern variation of a grindstone"; "the boy is a younger edition of his father".
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The new smartphone model is a variation of the previous one with a few added features.
- A vegetarian variation of the popular dish is also available on the menu.
- The company released a variation of their best-selling perfume with a new scent.
- The artist created a variation of the famous painting using different colors and techniques.
- The city's dialect is a variation of the standard language spoken in the country.
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Meaning 7
A repetition of a musical theme in which it is modified or embellished.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The composer created a beautiful variation of the melody, weaving in subtle harmonies and counterpoint.
- The piano concerto featured a dramatic variation of the main theme, with rapid arpeggios and virtuosic passages.
- In the final movement, the orchestra presented a lively variation of the opening motif, with bright brass fanfares and swirling strings.
- The violinist's rendition of the piece included a poignant variation of the slow movement, with expressive phrasing and tender tone.
- The choreographer created a dynamic ballet that showcased a series of variations on a single melody, each one evoking a different mood and character.
Hypernyms
Meaning 8
An activity that varies from a norm or standard; "any variation in his routine was immediately reported".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The company's new policy allows for some variation in work hours to accommodate different lifestyles.
- Any variation in the patient's medication schedule must be approved by the doctor.
- The school's strict uniform policy does not permit any variation in attire.
- The quality control team checks for any variation in the product's dimensions before packaging.
- The coach noticed a variation in the player's usual behavior during the game and decided to investigate.
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Meaning 9
The process of varying or being varied.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- The variation in temperature throughout the year affects the local ecosystem.
- There's a noticeable variation in the quality of the products from different manufacturers.
- The artist's use of color and texture added unique variation to the painting.
- The variation in genes between species contributes to the diversity of life on Earth.
- Musicians often experiment with different rhythms to create interesting variation in their music.
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Meaning 10
(biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration.
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- A new species emerged as a result of genetic variation from its common ancestor through thousands of years of adaptation to a unique environment.
- Genetic variation can sometimes occur due to environmental exposure or mutagenic agents and often influences traits and diseases within an organism.
- There was an immense amount of chromosomal variation in the laboratory test subject's genome due to induced radiation during an experiment.
- By understanding variation, geneticists and scientists gain deeper insight into what traits organisms pass on and which might change during a lifespan.
- Through their variation from standard type specimens, unique discoveries may unravel underlying explanations about unknown lineage among known groups.
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Meaning 11
An artifact that deviates from a norm or standard; "he patented a variation on the sandal".
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The artist created a variation on the classical sculpture by adding a modern twist to the design.
- The company patented a variation on the traditional keyboard that allowed for easier typing.
- She designed a variation on the classic little black dress for her fashion show.
- He developed a variation on the recipe by substituting different spices and herbs.
- The musician created a variation on the classic symphony by adding a contemporary beat.