Search Result for "variance": 
Wordnet 3.0

NOUN (7)

1. an event that departs from expectations;
[syn: discrepancy, variance, variant]

2. discord that splits a group;
[syn: division, variance]

3. the second moment around the mean; the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value;

4. a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions;
- Example: "a growing divergence of opinion"
[syn: discrepancy, disagreement, divergence, variance]

5. the quality of being subject to variation;
[syn: variability, variableness, variance]

6. an official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation);
- Example: "a zoning variance"

7. an activity that varies from a norm or standard;
- Example: "any variation in his routine was immediately reported"
[syn: variation, variance]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Variance \Va"ri*ance\, n. [L. variantia.]
   1. The quality or state of being variant; change of
      condition; variation.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Difference that produces dispute or controversy;
      disagreement; dissension; discord; dispute; quarrel.
      [1913 Webster]

            That which is the strength of their amity shall
            prove the immediate author of their variance.
                                                  --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. (Statistics) The expected value of the square of the
      deviation from the mean of a randomly distributed
      variable; the second moment about the mean. This is also
      the square of the standard deviation.
      [PJC]

   At variance, in disagreement; in a state of dissension or
      controversy; at enmity. "What cause brought him so soon at
      variance with himself?" --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

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