1. (noun)variable something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation "the weather is one variable to be considered"
2. (noun)variable, variable quantity a quantity that can assume any of a set of values
3. (noun)variable star, variable a star that varies noticeably in brightness
4. (noun)variable a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variablequantity
5. (adj)variable liable to or capable of change "rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable"; "variable winds"; "variable expenses"
6. (adj)varying, variable marked by diversity or difference "the varying angles of roof slope"; "nature is infinitely variable"
7. (adj)variable (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied
"a variable capacitor"; "variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights"