variable in WordNet English dictionary

1. a quantity that can assume any of a set of values
   variable  variable quantity 
   
2. a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity
   variable 
   
3. something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation
   "the weather is one variable to be considered"
   variable 
   
4. a star that varies noticeably in brightness
   variable star  variable 
   

1. liable to or capable of change
   "rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable"; "variable winds"; "variable expenses"
   variable 
   
2. (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"
   variable 
   
3. marked by diversity or difference
   "the varying angles of roof slope"; "nature is infinitely variable"
   varying  variable