Variable and Switch

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

• Control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit.
  • synonyms: electric switch, electrical switch
• An event in which one thing is substituted for another.
  • usage: "the replacement of lost blood by a transfusion of donor blood"
  • synonyms: substitution, permutation, transposition, replacement
• Hairpiece consisting of a tress of false hair; used by women to give shape to a coiffure.
• Railroad track having two movable rails and necessary connections; used to turn a train from one track to another or to store rolling stock.
• A flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment.
• A basketball maneuver; two defensive players shift assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by the other.
• The act of changing one thing or position for another.
  • usage: "his switch on abortion cost him the election"
  • synonyms: switching, shift

verb

• Change over, change around, as to a new order or sequence.
  • synonyms: switch over, exchange
• Exchange or give (something) in exchange for.
  • synonyms: trade, swap, swop
• Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another.
  • usage: "switch to a different brand of beer"; "She switched psychiatrists"; "The car changed lanes"
  • synonyms: shift, change
• Make a shift in or exchange of.
  • usage: "First Joe led; then we switched"
  • synonyms: change over, shift
• Cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation.
  • usage: "switch on the light"; "throw the lever"
  • synonyms: throw, flip
• Flog with or as if with a flexible rod.
• Reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action. ).
  • synonyms: interchange, tack, alternate, flip, flip-flop

• (n.) A device for shifting an electric current to another circuit or for making and breaking a circuit.
• (v.t.) To swing or whisk; as, to switch a cane.
• (n.) A mechanical device for shifting an electric current to another circuit.
• (n.) A movable part of a rail; or of opposite rails, for transferring cars from one track to another.
• (v.i.) To walk with a jerk.
• (n.) A small, flexible twig or rod.
• (v.t.) To strike with a switch or small flexible rod; to whip.
• (v.t.) To trim, as, a hedge.
• (n.) A separate mass or trees of hair or of some substance (at jute) made to resemble hair, worn on the head by women.
• (v.t.) To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; -- generally with off, from, etc.; as, to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another.
• (v.t.) To shift to another circuit.

This is the term almost universally applied to changing lenders at the end of a term, when the mortgage becomes "open". Most lenders will now pay all of the costs of a "Switch." (as well as giving them a reduced rate to lure them away from a competitor).