apt or liable to vary or change; changeable

variable weather; variable moods.

capable of being varied or changed; alterable

a variable time limit for completion of a book.

inconstant; fickle

a variable lover.

having much variation or diversity.

Biology . deviating from the usual type, as a species or a specific character.

Astronomy . (of a star) changing in brightness.

Meteorology . (of wind) tending to change in direction.

Mathematics . having the nature or characteristics of a variable.

something that may or does vary; a variable feature or factor.

Mathematics, Computers .

a quantity or function that may assume any given value or set of values.

a symbol that represents this.

Logic . (in the functional calculus) a symbol for an unspecified member of a class of things or statements. Compare bound variable , free variable .

Astronomy . variable star.

Meteorology .

a shifting wind, esp. as distinguished from a trade wind.

variables, doldrums ( def. 2a ) .

adjective

invariable , unchangeable , unchanging , unvarying

adjective

capricious , changeful , fickle , fitful , flexible , fluctuating , fluid , iffy * , inconstant , irregular , mercurial , mobile , mutable , protean , shifting , shifty , slippery * , spasmodic , temperamental , ticklish , uncertain , unequable , unsettled , unstable , unsteady , vacillating , volatile , waffling , wavering , yo-yo , alterable , variant , changeable , erratic , fantastic , fantastical , freakish , inconsistent , unpredictable , whimsical , patchy , spotty , allotropic , ambivalent , bivalent , chameleonic , changeable. changeable , diverse , irresolute , kaleidoscopic , manifold , multiple , multiplex , omnigenous , polymorphic , polymorphous , quicksilver , unequal , uneven , vagrant , varying