Definition of Variance

Noun: variance veh-ree-un(t)s

An event that departs from expectations
- discrepancy, variant
Discord that splits a group
- division
(statistics) the second moment around the mean; the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value
A difference between conflicting facts, claims or opinions
"a growing variance of opinion";
- discrepancy, disagreement, divergence
The quality or degree of being subject to variation
- variability, variableness
An official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation)
"a zoning variance"
An activity that varies from a norm or standard
"any variance in his routine was immediately reported";
- variation