noun / adjective
variant
VAIR-ee-uhnt/ˈveriənt/
A form that differs somewhat from another version of the same thing.
One cup is a variant with a slightly different handle and rim.
Etymology
The pieces originally described something changing, then something existing in different possible forms. As a noun, variant names one such form, substantially the same thing despite its differences.
In context
While asthma is often associated with wheezing and shortness of breath, some individuals experience what's called cough variant asthma.
More examples
- We play a variant of chess with four players.
- The dictionary lists two variant spellings of the name.
- Some gene variants affect how the body processes medicine.