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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. The essences of things are conceived not capable of any such variation. Locke.

The state or quality of being abnormal; variation; irregularity. Darwin.

An instrument for measuring and recording the variations in the actinic or chemical force of rays of light. Nichol.

iving heat. -- Ad`i*a*bat`ic*al*ly, adv. Adiabatic line or curve, a curve exhibiting the variations of pressure and volume of a fluid when it expands without either receiving or giving out heat. Rankine.

The observation of the state and variations of the atmosphere.

those places where the magnetic needle points to the true north; the line of no magnetic variation. There is one such line in the Western hemisphere, and another in the Eastern hemisphere.

A fixed star, in Medusa's head, in the constellation Perseus, remarkable for its periodic variation in brightness.

Variability in chemical constitution without variation in crystalline form.

ake observations of the sun's amplitude at the time of its rising or setting, to find the variation of the compass.

ference between the magnetic and the true or astronomical amplitude (see 3 above) is the "variation of the compass."

allic box (shaped like a watch) from which the air has been exhausted. An index shows the variation of pressure.

A tracing, usually made by the barograph, showing graphically the variations of atmospheric pressure for a given time.

An instrument for recording automatically the variations of atmospheric pressure.

A form of barometer so constructed as to inscribe of itself upon paper a record of the variations of atmospheric pressure.

of the probabilities of events, or the application of numbers to chance. -- Calculus of variations, a branch of mathematics in which the laws of dependence which bind the variable quantities together are themselves subject to change. -- Differential calculus, a method of investigating mathematical questions by using…

like the Passacaglia, which is slower. Both are used by classical composers as themes for variations.

To be altered; to undergo variation; as, men sometimes change for the better. For I am Lord, I change not. Mal. iii. 6.

rgo in consequence of alterations in the constitution of the molecules, which depend upon variations of the number, kind, or mode of arrangement, of the constituent atoms. These atoms are not assumed to be indivisible, but merely the finest grade of subdivision hitherto attained. Chemistry deals with the changes in the…

an instrument used in surveying for measuring horizontal angles. See Circumferentor. -- Variation compass, a compass of delicate construction, used in observations on the variations of the needle. -- To fetch a compass, to make a circuit.

at which constitutes, or is regarded as, an equivalent; that which makes good the lack or variation of something else; that which compensates for loss or privation; amends; remuneration; recompense. The parliament which dissolved the monastic foundations . . . vouchsafed not a word toward securing the slightest compens…