Variable and Dimmer

noun

• Something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation.
  • usage: "the weather is one variable to be considered"
• A quantity that can assume any of a set of values.
  • synonyms: variable quantity
• A star that varies noticeably in brightness.
  • synonyms: variable star
• A symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity.

adjective

• Liable to or capable of change.
  • usage: "rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable"; "variable winds"; "variable expenses"
• Marked by diversity or difference.
  • usage: "the varying angles of roof slope"; "nature is infinitely variable"
  • synonyms: varying
• Used of a device) designed so that a property (as e. G. Light) can be varied. (
  • usage: "a variable capacitor"; "variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights"

• (n.) Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.
• (n.) That which is variable; that which varies or is subject to change.
• (a.) Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable.
• (n.) A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the equation x2 - y2 = R2, x and y are variables.
• (a.) Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity.
• (n.) A shifting wind or one that varies in force.

Variable is an element in a model. For example, in the model RS&Pt+1 = a + b Tbill t + et, where RS&Pt+1 is the return on the S&P in month t+1 and Tbill is the Tbill return at month t, both RS&P and Tbill are "variables" because they change through time; i. E., they are not constant.

noun

• A rheostat that varies the current through an electric light in order to control the level of illumination.

adjective

• Lacking in light; not bright or harsh.
  • usage: "a dim light beside the bed"; "subdued lights and soft music"
  • synonyms: dim, subdued
• Lacking clarity or distinctness.
  • usage: "a dim figure in the distance"; "only a faint recollection"; "shadowy figures in the gloom"; "saw a vague outline of a building through the fog"; "a few wispy memories of childhood"
  • synonyms: dim, faint, shadowy, vague, wispy
• Made dim or less bright.
  • usage: "the dimmed houselights brought a hush of anticipation"; "dimmed headlights"; "we like dimmed lights when we have dinner"
  • synonyms: dimmed, dim
• Offering little or no hope.
  • usage: "the future looked black"; "prospects were bleak"; "Life in the Aran Islands has always been bleak and difficult- J. M. Synge; "took a dim view of things"
  • synonyms: black, bleak, dim
• Slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity.
  • usage: "so dense he never understands anything I say to him"; "never met anyone quite so dim"; "although dull at classical learning, at mathematics he was uncommonly quick- Thackeray; "dumb officials make some really dumb decisions"; "he was either normally stupid or being deliberately obtuse"; "worked with the slow students"
  • synonyms: dense, dim, dull, dumb, obtuse, slow