Meaning

• Something that is variable.

• Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.

  "There are several variables to consider here."

• A quantity that may assume any one of a set of values.

• A symbol representing a variable.

• A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.

• A variable star.

• A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.

• (in the plural) Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.

Meaning

• Able to vary or be varied.

  "variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor"

• Likely to vary.

• Marked by diversity or difference.

• Having no fixed quantitative value.

• Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.