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variant

variant

53 4.9
A different form of something, like a virus or recipe
  • noun
  • /ˈvɛəriənt/
translation icon : variante
  • We're seeing something called the XE variant has been picked up.
  • new variant
  • virus variant
  • genetic variants

Another word for rogue cultural variants is memes.

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Examples

  • It causes heart disease, depression, suicide, early death in all its variants.

  • There is also a brand new variant of the logo in the back here.

  • So this is actually the variant that most people outside of Asia have.

  • What you see are differences in variants of the gene.

  • Well, now scientists have found a new coronavirus variant in New York City.

  • Indeed, there are other variants of this coinage referred to as Popular Theatre.

    Academic text (2011)
  • David Chapman has presented a somewhat complex variant of the proportional representation system for South Africa.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Scientists have discovered a new viral variant that spreads more quickly than the original strain.

  • The researchers studied several genetic variants to understand how they affect disease resistance.

  • In this video game, players can choose between different character variants that offer unique abilities.

Synonyms

version
vsvariant
2.0

A different form of something, like a book or program

is used more broadly rather than only for specific adaptations
mutant
vsvariant
  • Specialized
582 5.1

An animal or plant with a change in genes that makes it different

is the broader concept of differing forms without implying a mutation cause
form
vsvariant
  • Specialized
445 6.7

A group within a species with small physical or genetic differences

is the general term for differences, not limited to slight biological groups
strain
vsvariant
  • Specialized
131 4.9

A type of animal, plant, or small living thing with particular traits

is the general label for differences, not only biological subtypes
variation
vsvariant
77 3.3

A different form of something, like a design or recipe

is the general term with the same basic meaning across contexts
edition
vsvariant
58 3.5

A slightly different version of a person or thing

is about any difference rather than only slight changes
modification
vsvariant
50 3.6

A slightly changed version of something

is broader and not limited to only small alterations
isoform
vsvariant
  • Specialized
2 9.1

A slightly different version of a protein made from the same gene that works in a similar way

is the broader word covering differences beyond specific molecular forms

Antonyms

675 2.7

Generally used and accepted as correct

How Different

mutation
  • Specialized
85 5.6
variant
53 4.9
strain
  • Specialized
131 4.9
version
2.0
form
839 1.3

Surface Forms

variant singular
variants plural

Morphology

variant = vary (transparent) = vary + ant

Standard noun formation from 'vary' using the suffix '-ant', meaning 'a form or version that differs'.

Etymology

Variant comes from the old Latin root vari- (from variare) meaning 'change', the same root you see in vary. So a variant (noun) is a 'different version' or a form that has been changed from another.