definition of
variation

[1] #1 variation n. [fluctuation] an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change. wn

[2] #2 variation n. [variance] an activity that varies from a norm or standard; "any variation in his routine was immediately reported". wn

[3] #3 variation n. a repetition of a musical theme in which it is modified or embellished. wn

[4] #4 variation n. [version, variant, edition] something a little different from others of the same type; "an experimental version of the night fighter"; "a variant of the same word"; "an emery wheel is the modern variation of a grindstone"; "the boy is a younger edition of his father". wn

[5] #5 variation n. an artifact that deviates from a norm or standard; "he patented a variation on the sandal". wn