the act, process, or accident of varying in condition, character, or degree

Prices are subject to variation.

an instance of this

There is a variation in the quality of fabrics in this shipment.

amount, rate, extent, or degree of change

a temperature variation of 40? in a particular climate.

a different form of something; variant.

Music .

the transformation of a melody or theme with changes or elaborations in harmony, rhythm, and melody.

a varied form of a melody or theme, esp. one of a series of such forms developing the capacities of the subject.

Ballet . a solo dance, esp. one forming a section of a pas de deux.

Astronomy . any deviation from the mean orbit of a heavenly body, esp. of a planetary or satellite orbit.

Also called magnetic declination , magnetic variation. Navigation . the angle between the geographic and the magnetic meridian at a given point, expressed in plus degrees east or minus degrees west of true north. Compare deviation ( def. 4 ) .

Biology . a difference or deviation in structure or character from others of the same species or group.

noun

agreement , root , similarity , source

noun

aberration , abnormality , adaptation , alteration , bend , break , change , contradistinction , contrast , curve , deflection , departure , departure from the norm , deviation , digression , discrepancy , disparity , displacement , dissimilarity , dissimilitude , distinction , divergence , diversification , diversity , exception , fluctuation , inequality , innovation , modification , mutation , novelty , shift , swerve , turn , unconformity , variety , difference , variance , permutation , variant , version , alternative , shade