variation

7 definitions • 11 examples

a change in amount or level:

Unemployment rates among white-collar workers show much less regional variation than corresponding rates among blue-collar workers.

The medical tests showed some variation in the baby's heart rate.

global temperature variations over the last 140 years

something that is slightly different from the usual form or arrangement:

There are wide variations in the way pensioners have benefited from the system.

The films she makes are all variations on the same theme.

one of several short tunes that are based on the same simple tune, but are different from it and from the others:

symphonic variations

change in quality, amount, or level:

[ U ] The variation in the price during the past month is startling.

A variation also is a difference, or a thing that differs slightly from another of its type:

[ C ] Her movies are all variations on the same theme.

a change in the amount or level of something:

Unemployment rates for individual counties are not adjusted for seasonal variations.

variation in sth The company uses outsourcing to respond to variations in demand.

something which is slightly different from the usual form or arrangement:

a variation on sth Sometimes a small variation on an existing idea is enough to make it stand out.