variant variant /ˈvɛriːənt/

adjective

1. () Differing from a norm or standard  ( variant )
   differing from a norm or standard
    A variant spelling
   a variant spelling
   
2. Exhibiting variation and change  ( variant )
   exhibiting variation and change
    Letters variant in size
   letters variant in size
   

noun

1. () An event that departs from expectations  ( variance , variant , discrepancy )
   an event that departs from expectations
   
2. Something a little different from others of the same type  ( edition , variant , variation , version )
   something a little different from others of the same type
    An experimental version of the night fighter
   an experimental version of the night fighter
    A variant of the same word
   a variant of the same word
    An emery wheel is the modern variation of a grindstone
   an emery wheel is the modern variation of a grindstone
    The boy is a younger edition of his father
   the boy is a younger edition of his father
   
3. A variable quantity that is random  ( chance variable , stochastic variable , variant , random variable , variate )
   a variable quantity that is random
    In statistics, a random variable can be either discrete or continuous.
   In statistics, a random variable can be either discrete or continuous.
   
   
4. (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups  ( variant , form , strain , var. )
   (biology) a group of organisms within a species that differ in trivial ways from similar groups
    A new strain of microorganisms
   a new strain of microorganisms