a. [ L. variabilis: cf. F. variable. ] 1. Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable. [ 1913 Webster ] Lest that thy love prove likewise variable. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] His heart, I know, how variable and vain! Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]
Variable exhaust (Steam Eng.), a blast pipe with an adjustable opening. --
Variable quantity (Math.), a variable. --
Variable-rate mortgage (Finance), a mortgage whose percentage interest rate varies depending on some agreed standard, such as the prime rate; -- used often in financing the purchase of a home. Such a mortgage usually has a lower initial interest rate than a fixed-rate mortgage, and this permits buyers of a home to finance the purchase a house of higher price than would be possible with a fixed-rate loan. --
Variable stars (Astron.), fixed stars which vary in their brightness, usually in more or less uniform periods. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Changeable; mutable; fickle; wavering; unsteady; versatile; inconstant. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
