variance: Meaning and Definition of

var•i•ance

Pronunciation: (vâr'ē-uns), [key]
— n.
  1. the state, quality, or fact of being variable, divergent, different, or anomalous.
  2. an instance of varying; difference; discrepancy.
  3. Also calledthe square of the standard deviation.
  4. the number of degrees of freedom of a system.
    1. a difference or discrepancy, as between two statements or documents in law that should agree.
    2. a departure from the cause of action originally stated in the complaint.
  5. an official permit to do something normally forbidden by regulations, esp. by building in a way or for a purpose normally forbidden by a zoning law or a building code.
  6. a disagreement, dispute, or quarrel.
  7. at variance with one's superiors.
    1. (of things) in a state of difference or disagreement.
    2. (of persons) in a state of controversy or dissension:at variance with one's superiors.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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