Variable and Plastic

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

• Generic name for certain synthetic or semisynthetic materials that can be molded or extruded into objects or films or filaments or used for making e. G. Coatings and adhesives.
• A card (usually plastic) that assures a seller that the person using it has a satisfactory credit rating and that the issuer will see to it that the seller receives payment for the merchandise delivered.
  • usage: "do you take plastic"
  • synonyms: credit card, charge card, charge plate

adjective

• Capable of being molded or modeled (especially of earth or clay or other soft material. )
  • usage: "plastic substances such as wax or clay"
  • synonyms: fictile, moldable
• Capable of being influenced or formed.
  • usage: "the plastic minds of children"; "a pliant nature"
  • synonyms: pliant
• Forming or capable of forming or molding or fashioning.
  • usage: "a formative influence"; "a formative experience"
  • synonyms: formative, shaping

• (a.) Capable of being molded, formed or modeled, as clay or plaster; -- used also figuratively; as, the plastic mind of a child.
• (n.) a substance composed predominantly of a synthetic organic high polymer capable of being cast or molded; many varieties of plastic are used to produce articles of commerce (after 1900). [MW10 gives origin of word as 1905].
• (a.) Pertaining or appropriate to or characteristic of, molding or modeling; produced by or appearing as if produced by, molding or modeling; -- said of sculpture and the kindred arts, in distinction from painting and the graphic arts.
• (a.) Having the power to give form or fashion to a mass of matter; as, the plastic hand of the Creator.