Dictionary

variation

noun var·i·a·tion \ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən\

: a change in the form, position, condition, or amount of something

: something that is similar to something else but different in some way

music : a repeated version of a short piece of music with changes in its rhythm, tune, or harmony

Full Definition of VARIATION

1
a :  the act or process of varying :  the state or fact of being varied
b :  an instance of varying
c :  the extent to which or the range in which a thing varies
2
:  declination 6
3
a :  a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence
b :  a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function
4
:  the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in such elements as rhythm, melody, harmony, key, tempo, and accompaniment
5
a :  divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average
b :  something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
6
a :  a solo dance in classic ballet
b :  a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes
var·i·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
var·i·a·tion·al·ly adverb
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First Known Use of VARIATION

14th century

Related to VARIATION

Other Cartography Terms

Robinson projection, benchmark, plat, projection, topography

Rhymes with VARIATION

abdication, aberration, abjuration, abnegation, abrogation, acceptation, acclamation, accusation, activation, adaptation, adjuration, admiration, adoration, adulation, adumbration, affectation, affirmation, aggravation, aggregation, agitation, allegation, allocation, amputation, alteration, altercation, animation, annexation, annotation, appellation, application, approbation, arbitration, arrogation, aspiration, assignation, attestation, augmentation, automation, aviation, avocation, blaxploitation, botheration, calculation, calibration, cancellation, carbonation, castigation, celebration, cerebration, chlorination, circulation, cogitation, collocation, coloration, combination, comfort station, commendation, commutation, compensation, complication, computation, concentration, condemnation, condensation, confirmation, confiscation, conflagration, conformation, confrontation, congregation, conjugation, connotation, consecration, conservation, consolation, constellation, consternation, constipation, consultation, consummation, contemplation, conurbation, conversation, convocation, copulation, coronation, corporation, correlation, corrugation, crenellation, crop rotation, culmination, cultivation, cumulation, cybernation, decimation, declamation, declaration, declination, decoration, dedication, defamation, defecation, deformation, degradation, dehydration, delectation, delegation, demarcation, demonstration, denigration, denotation, depilation, deportation, depravation, depredation, deputation, derivation, derogation, desecration, designation, desolation, desperation, destination, detestation, detonation, devastation, deviation, dislocation, dispensation, disputation, dissertation, dissipation, distillation, divination, domination, education, elevation, elongation, emanation, embarkation, embrocation, emendation, emigration, emulation, enervation, escalation, estimation, evocation, exaltation, excavation, excitation, exclamation, exculpation, execration, exhalation, exhortation, exhumation, expectation, expiation, expiration, explanation, explication, exploitation, exploration, exportation, expurgation, extirpation, exultation, fabrication, fascination, federation, fenestration, fermentation, fibrillation, figuration, filling station, fire station, flagellation, fluoridation, fluctuation, forestation, formulation, fornication, fragmentation, fulmination, fumigation, gene mutation, generation, germination, glaciation, graduation, granulation, gravitation, habitation, hesitation, hibernation, hyphenation, ideation, imitation, immigration, immolation, implantation, implication, importation, imprecation, imputation, incantation, incarnation, inclination, incrustation, incubation, indentation, indication, indignation, infestation, infiltration, inflammation, information, inhalation, innovation, inspiration, installation, instigation, insulation, integration, intimation, intonation, inundation, invitation, invocation, irrigation, irritation, iteration, jubilation, laceration, lamentation, lamination, legislation, levitation, liberation, limitation, lineation, liquidation, litigation, lubrication, lucubration, maceration, machination, malformation, masturbation, maturation, mediation, medication, meditation, melioration, menstruation, ministration, mitigation, moderation, modulation, molestation, motivation, mutilation, navigation, nomination, obfuscation, objurgation, obligation, observation, occupation, operation, orchestration, ordination, oscillation, osculation, ostentation, ovulation, oxidation, pagination, palpitation, penetration, percolation, perforation, permeation, permutation, perpetration, perspiration, perturbation, pigmentation, pixilation, police station, pollination, population, postulation, power station, predication, preparation, presentation, preservation, proclamation, procreation, profanation, prolongation, promulgation, propagation, prorogation, protestation, provocation, publication, punctuation, radiation, recantation, recitation, reclamation, re-creation, recreation, reformation, refutation, registration, regulation, rehydration, relaxation, relocation, renovation, reparation, replication, reprobation, reputation, reservation, resignation, respiration, restoration, retardation, revelation, revocation, ruination, rumination, rustication, salutation, sanitation, saturation, segmentation, segregation, separation, sequestration, service station, sexploitation, simulation, situation, speciation, speculation, spoliation, stimulation, stipulation, strangulation, structuration, stylization, subjugation, sublimation, suffocation, syncopation, syndication, tabulation, termination, T formation, titillation, toleration, transfer station, transformation, translocation, transmigration, transmutation, transpiration, transplantation, transportation, trepidation, tribulation, ulceration, ululation, undulation, urination, vaccination, vacillation, validation, valuation, vegetation, veneration, ventilation, vindication, violation, visitation, weather station
VARIATIONS Defined for Kids

variation

noun var·i·a·tion \ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən\

Definition of VARIATION for Kids

1
:  a change in form, position, or condition <Our routine could use some variation.>
2
:  amount of change or difference <Scientists record the variations in temperature.>
3
:  departure from what is usual to a group <The poodle's offspring show no variation from the breed.>
Medical Dictionary

variation

noun var·i·a·tion \ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən, ˌvar-\

Medical Definition of VARIATION

1
:  divergence in one or more characteristics of an organism or biotype from those typical of or usual for its group
2
:  something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
var·i·a·tion·al \-shnəl, -shən-əl\ adjective
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