variant

5 definitions • 11 examples

something that is slightly different from other similar things:

Scientists are seeing a growing list of genes in which genetic variants contribute to multiple diseases,

There are many colas on the market now, all variants on the original drink.

The manufacturers roll out new variants of existing processors every few months.

a form of a virus or disease that is slightly different from other forms, for example because the virus causing the disease has mutated (= its physical characteristics have changed permanently):

The Delta variant of COVID-19 was spreading across the globe.

There are four variants of malaria, all transmitted to humans by a particular family of mosquitoes.

slightly different from other similar things:

a variant form

The dictionary shows "neighbour" with the American variant spelling "neighbor".

Variant pronunciations of "banana" are recognizable across cultures.

(of a form of a virus or disease) slightly different from other forms, for example because the virus causing the disease has mutated (= its physical characteristics have changed permanently):

Studies are ongoing as to whether the vaccine will be effective against the variant virus.

Scrapie is a brain disease of sheep, linked with BSE in cattle and with variant CJD in humans.

something that differs slightly from other similar things:

There are four variants of malaria, all transmitted to humans by mosquitoes.