variances

Noun

variance (countable and uncountable, plural variances)

1. The act of varying or the state of being variable.
2. A difference between what is expected and what is observed; deviation.
   • Certain other factors were considered to explain the variance from expected figures. All seven aviators smoked. Each considered himself to be in good physical condition, though none found the time to exercise regularly. No aviator was obese.1973, United States Army Aviation Digest - Volume 19, page 18
3. The state of differing or being in conflict.
   • But here, again, is the old variance between nature and fortune: each seems to delight in marring the work of the other.1837, L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon], “Chapter XXVII. Lady Marchmont to Sir Jasper Meredith.”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. […], volume I, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, page 246
4. An official permit to do something that is ordinarily forbidden by regulations.
5. A discrepancy between two legal documents.
6. A departure from a cause of action originally in a complaint.

See all 9 meanings of variance