1. Something that changes or which can be changed or which tends to change: There are just too many unemployment and other economic variables.
2. In mathematics, a quantity which can have any one of a set of values: A variable can be a symbol that represents such a quantity, or a number which can change depending on the other numbers in an equation.

1. Indicating a tendency to deviate, as from a normal or recognized type; aberrant; a description of a species that tends to differ in some way from what is usual: The weather in many areas of the country seems to be quite variable because one day it is nice and warm and then the next day it is gray with cold winds!
2. Characteristic of something that is able, or liable, to change suddenly and unpredictably, or likely to change often: The stock market has variable investments with profits going up and then down, often as a result of statements made by certain government agencies.
3. Descriptive of anything that is inconsistent or uneven in quality or performance; not always the same: Joan's savings account has a variable interest rate which fluctuates daily.  © ALL rights are reserved.

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An iron-core coil whose inductance can be altered: An electrically variable coil can be modified over a wide range by changing a small DC control current.

1. A fuse that is ignited by a self-contained electronic element; for example, a proximity fuse or an electronically triggered device designed to detonate an explosive charge in a missile, etc., at a predetermined distance from the target.
2. A fuse; such as, the radio proximity fuse, set off by an electronic device incorporated within it.

A fuse that detonates a warhead when the target is within some specified region near the fuse.

Radio, radar, photoelectric, or other devices may be used as activating elements.

A type of wind turbine: The attack angle of the variable-pitch rotor blades can be adjusted, either automatically or manually, in order to respond efficiently to variations in wind speed and direction.

A a mechanical device that rotates in a machine: A variable-pitch propeller is a part of a machine in which the angle of the blades of a power-driven shaft can be adjusted to suit different conditions while maintaining the same engine speed.

Descriptive of a wind turbine in which the rotor speed increases and decreases with changing wind forces, producing electricity with a fluctuating level of power and voltage: The variable-speed of a wind turbine contrasts with a "fixed-speed" turbine, which has a virtually constant rotor speed, typically a 1-2% variation.

A load that requires low or high torque (twisting force) for a low or high speeds: A variable-torque load needs a decrease in torque for low speeds, and a very high torque for high speeds.