Defn: The ringtailed lemur (Lemur catta) of Madagascar. Its long tail is annulated with black and white.
VARIABILITY
Va`ri*a*bil"i*ty, n. Etym: [Cf. F. variabilité.]
1. The quality or state of being variable; variableness.
2. (Biol.)
Defn: The power possessed by living organisms, both animal and vegetable, of adapting themselves to modifications or changes in their environment, thus possibly giving rise to ultimate variation of structure or function.
VARIABLE
Va"ri*a*ble, a. Etym: [L. variabilis: cf. F. variable.]
1. Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity.
2. Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable. Lest that thy love prove likewise variable. Shak. His heart, I know, how variable and vain! Milton. Variable exhaust (Steam Eng.), a blast pipe with an adjustable opening. — Variable quantity (Math.), a variable. — Variable stars (Astron.), fixed stars which vary in their brightness, usually in more or less uniform periods.
Syn. — Changeable; mutable; fickle; wavering; unsteady; versatile; inconstant.
VARIABLE
Va"ri*a*ble, n.