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variable

variable

noun vah-ree-AH-bluh Rare
Numbers & Measures Mathematics

Origin: Latin variabilis, 'changeable'

Also means

factor

Usage Note

Variable as a noun (feminine) is used in mathematics, science, and computing to denote a quantity that can take different values. As an adjective it means 'changeable' or 'variable' and agrees in gender: un temps variable (changeable weather). The two uses are equally common in educated French.

Examples

"Cette variable peut prendre plusieurs valeurs."

Natural Translation

This variable can take several values.

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