variation
noun
var·i·a·tion
ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən 
1
3
a
: a change of algebraic sign between successive terms of a sequence
b
: a measure of the change in data, a variable, or a function
4
: the repetition of a musical theme with modifications in such elements as rhythm, melody, harmony, key, tempo, and accompaniment
5
a
: divergence in the structural or functional characteristics of an organism from the species or population norm or average
b
: something (such as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
6
a
: a solo dance in classic ballet
b
: a repetition in modern ballet of a movement sequence with changes
variationally
adverb
Examples of variation in a Sentence
the movie begins with a somewhat irreverent variation on the Nativity story
the latest in a long line of variations in her hair color
Recent Examples on the Web
These games often come in multiple formats, including traditional versions and innovative variations.
—
Matthew Gover, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
Newcastle have had six different right-back/right-winger combinations, and five variations down their left.
—Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
The Chicago Bears purchased a massive tract of land in the suburbs in early 2023 and have since gone through multiple variations of plans in different places and now are hoping, though not guaranteed, to start work on a lakefront stadium next year.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 5 Jan. 2025
Solution: Data augmentation, a technique that expands training datasets by creating variations or synthetic examples, and collaborative data sharing, which involves pooling anonymized and aggregated data, enhances model generalization by increasing data diversity and richness.
—Balaji Dhamodharan, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for variation 
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Matthew Gover, Miami Herald, 6 Jan. 2025
Newcastle have had six different right-back/right-winger combinations, and five variations down their left.
—Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025
The Chicago Bears purchased a massive tract of land in the suburbs in early 2023 and have since gone through multiple variations of plans in different places and now are hoping, though not guaranteed, to start work on a lakefront stadium next year.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 5 Jan. 2025
Solution: Data augmentation, a technique that expands training datasets by creating variations or synthetic examples, and collaborative data sharing, which involves pooling anonymized and aggregated data, enhances model generalization by increasing data diversity and richness.
—Balaji Dhamodharan, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for variation
Dictionary Entries Near variation
Cite this Entry
“Variation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variation. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
variation
noun
var·i·a·tion
ˌver-ē-ˈā-shən, ˌvar-
1
: divergence in one or more characteristics of an organism or biotype from those typical of or usual for its group
2
: something (as an individual or group) that exhibits variation
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