variance variance /ˈvɛriːəns/

noun

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