eclipsing binary , variable n a binary star whose orbital plane lies in or near the line of sight so that one component is regularly eclipsed by its companion See also →
variable star
Cepheid variable
n (Astronomy) any of a class of variable stars with regular cycles of variations in luminosity (most ranging from three to fifty days). There is a relationship between the periods of variation and the absolute magnitudes, which is used for measuring the distance of such stars
dependent variable
n
1 a variable in a mathematical equation or statement whose value depends on that taken on by the independent variable
in ``y = f(x)'', ``y'' is the dependent variable
2 (Psychol, statistics) the variable measured by the experimenter. It is controlled by the value of the independent variable, of which it is an index
dummy variable
n a variable or constant appearing in a mathematical expression that can be replaced by any arbitrary variable or constant, not occurring in the expression, without affecting the value of the whole
independent variable
n
1 (Also called)
argument a variable in a mathematical equation or statement whose value determines that of the dependent variable: in y = f(x), x is the independent variable
2 (Statistics, Also called) predictor the variable which an experimenter deliberately manipulates in order to observe its relationship with some other quantity, or which defines the distinct conditions in an experiment
See also →
experimental condition
intervening variable
n (Maths, psychol, etc.) a hypothetical variable postulated to account for the way in which a set of independent variables control a set of dependent variables
random variable
n (Statistics) a quantity that may take any of a range of values, either continuous or discrete, which cannot be predicted with certainty but only described probabilistically, (Abbrev)
rv
response variable
n (Statistics) a more modern term for →
dependent variable →
2
string variable
n (Computing) data on which arithmetical operations will not be performed
variable
adj
1 liable to or capable of change
variable weather
2 (of behaviour, opinions, emotions, etc.) lacking constancy; fickle
3 (Maths) having a range of possible values
4 (of a species, characteristic, etc.) liable to deviate from the established type
5 (of a wind) varying its direction and intensity
6 (of an electrical component or device) designed so that a characteristic property, such as resistance, can be varied
variable capacitor
n
7 something that is subject to variation
a an expression that can be assigned any of a set of values
b a symbol, esp. x, y, or z, representing an unspecified member of a class of objects, numbers, etc.
See also →
dependent variable →
independent variable
9 (Logic) a symbol, esp. x, y, z, representing any member of a class of entities
10 (Computing) a named unit of storage that can be changed to any of a set of specified values during execution of a program
11 (Astronomy) See →
variable star
13 pl a region where variable winds occur
(C14: from Latin variabilis changeable, from variare to diversify)
♦
variability, variableness n
♦
variably adv
variable cost
n a cost that varies directly with output
variable-density wind tunnel
n a closed-circuit wind tunnel entirely contained in a casing in which the pressure and therefore the density of the working fluid can be maintained at a preselected value
variable-geometry , variable-sweep
adj denoting an aircraft in which the wings are hinged to give the variable aspect ratio colloquially known as a swing-wing
variable star
n any star that varies considerably in brightness, either irregularly or in regular periods. Intrinsic variables, in which the variation is a result of internal changes, include novae, supernovae, and pulsating stars
See also →
eclipsing binary