variation

  1. Noun.  The act or state of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing; modification; alternation; mutation; diversity; deviation; as, a variation of color in different lights; a variation in size; variation of language.
  2. Noun.  A related but distinct thing.
  3. Noun.  (nautical) The angular difference at the vessel between the direction of true north and magnetic north. Also called magnetic declination.
  4. Noun.  (board games) a line of play that differs from the original.
  5. Noun.  (music) a technique where material is repeated with alterations to the melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, texture, counterpoint or orchestration.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.