variance

Definition

The act of varying or the state of being variable.

Etymology

From Middle English variance, variaunce, equivalent to vary + -ance, from Old French variance or directly from Anglo-Latin variaunce, veriaunce, wariaunce; all from Latin variantia.

Example Sentences

• "Certain other factors were considered to explain the variance from expected figures. All seven aviators smoked. Each considered himself to be in good physical condition, though none found the time to exercise regularly. No aviator was obese."
• "This remains an important tool and relies on simple subtraction to evaluate the difference ( variance ) between a planned result and an actual measurement."
• "Whenever a patient is recorded as having a variance (V), it is important to return soon afterwards to see if the care intervention has helped."