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Glite Dictionary
💻 A programming variable ⚡ A power unit
var

var

9.9
A unit that measures reactive power in alternating current systems
  • noun
  • /vɑr/
  • Specialized
translation icon : var
  • The question of whether there was adequate reactive power, called VAR (volt-amperes-reactive) support, in the Ohio region is a lingering controversy of the 2003 blackout.

Examples

  • Models are available for AC voltage and signal input, as well as watt and VAR measurement.

    Academic text (1995)

  • During the power outage, the grid operators calculated the VAR needed to maintain system stability.

  • A vector-autoregression (VAR) analysis may be performed that will trace the dynamic responses of one economic variable to another in terms of the size of the stock market and also the time required for the response to take place fully.

    Academic text (1996)

  • Variability affects the detection of a consistent trend by its influence on the precision with which a linear trend can be estimated, expressed as variance of the slope var(slope).

    Academic text (2001)

  • The technician measured the reactive power in the circuit using a device that recorded the VAR.

  • Understanding the concept of VAR is essential for engineers working with alternating current systems.

Surface Forms

var singular
vars plural

Etymology

Var comes from the phrase volt-ampere reactive, where 'reactive' means the power that moves back and forth in an alternating current circuit. So a var measures that reactive power (not the useful 'watts'), which helps you remember it is the power that 'reacts' in the system.