variance Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an event that departs from expectations
    variant; discrepancy.
  2. noun discord that splits a group
    division.
  3. noun the second moment around the mean; the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value
  4. noun a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions
    divergence; disagreement; discrepancy.
    • a growing divergence of opinion
  5. noun the quality of being subject to variation
    variability; variableness.
  6. noun an official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation)
    • a zoning variance
  7. noun an activity that varies from a norm or standard
    variation.
    • any variation in his routine was immediately reported

WordNet

Va"ri*ance noun
Etymology
L. variantia.
Definitions
  1. The quality or state of being variant; change of condition; variation.
  2. Difference that produce dispute or controversy; disagreement; dissension; discord; dispute; quarrel.
    That which is the strength of their amity shall prove the immediate author of their variance. Shak.
  3. (Law) A disagreement or difference between two parts of the same legal proceeding, which, to be effectual, ought to agree, -- as between the writ and the declaration, or between the allegation and the proof. Bouvier.

Webster 1913