Definitions for varianceˈvɛər i əns

var•i•anceˈvɛər i əns(n.)

the state of being variable or different.
an instance of varying.
Statistics. the square of the standard deviation.
Category: Statistics
the number of degrees of freedom of a physical system.
Category: Physics
Law. a discrepancy, as between two sworn statements. a departure from the cause of action originally stated in a legal complaint.
Category: Law
a permit to do something normally regulated by law.
Category: Government
a disagreement or dispute.

1300–50; ME < L

discrepancy, variance, variant(noun)
an event that departs from expectations
division, variance(noun)
discord that splits a group
variance(noun)
the second moment around the mean; the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value
discrepancy, disagreement, divergence, variance(noun)
a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions
"a growing divergence of opinion"
variability, variableness, variance(noun)
the quality of being subject to variation
variance(noun)
an official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation)
"a zoning variance"
variation, variance(noun)
an activity that varies from a norm or standard
"any variation in his routine was immediately reported"

Origin: From variance.

Variance(noun)
the quality or state of being variant; change of condition; variation
Variance(noun)
difference that produce dispute or controversy; disagreement; dissension; discord; dispute; quarrel
Variance(noun)
a disagreement or difference between two parts of the same legal proceeding, which, to be effectual, ought to agree, -- as between the writ and the declaration, or between the allegation and the proof

Citation

"variance." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 18 May 2013. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/variance>.