var·i·able /ˈvɛriəbəl, ˈvær-/
 變量,可變物(a.)易變的;可變的;變量的;變異的
 vari·able /ˈvɛrɪəbəl, ˈvær-/ 形容詞
 變量,變數,變異的,可調的
 variable
 事件虛擬變數
 variable
 變數
 variable
 變數
 Va·ri·a·ble, n.
 1. That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change.
 2. Math. A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the equation x² - y² = R², x and y are variables.
 3. Naut. (a) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force. (b) pl. Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.
 Independent variable Math., that one of two or more variables, connected with each other in any way whatever, to which changes are supposed to be given at will. Thus, in the equation x² - y² = R², if arbitrary changes are supposed to be given to x, then x is the independent variable, and y is called a function of x.  There may be two or more independent variables in an equation or problem.   Cf. Dependent variable, under Dependent.
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 Va·ri·a·ble a.
 1. Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity.
 2. Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable.
    Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.   --Shak.
    His heart, I know, how variable and vain!   --Milton.
 Variable exhaust Steam Eng., a blast pipe with an adjustable opening.
 Variable quantity Math., a variable.
 Variable-rate mortgage Finance, a mortgage whose percentage interest rate varies depending on some agreed standard, such as the prime rate; -- used often in financing the purchase of a home.  Such a mortgage usually has a lower initial interest rate than a fixed-rate mortgage, and this permits buyers of a home to finance the purchase a house of higher price than would be possible with a fixed-rate loan.
 Variable stars Astron., fixed stars which vary in their brightness, usually in more or less uniform periods.
 Syn: -- Changeable; mutable; fickle; wavering; unsteady; versatile; inconstant.
 variable
      adj 1: liable to or capable of change; "rainfall in the tropics is
             notoriously variable"; "variable winds"; "variable
             expenses" [ant: invariable]
      2: marked by diversity or difference; "the varying angles of
         roof slope"; "nature is infinitely variable" [syn: varying]
      3: (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"
      n 1: something that is likely to vary; something that is subject
           to variation; "the weather is one variable to be
           considered"
      2: a quantity that can assume any of a set of values [syn: variable
         quantity]
      3: a star that varies noticeably in brightness [syn: variable
         star]
      4: a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or
         logical expressions to represent a variable quantity