variance
     n 1: an event that departs from expectations [syn: {discrepancy},
           {variant}]
     2: discord that splits a group [syn: {division}]
     3: the second moment around the mean; the expected value of the
        square of the deviations of a random variable from its
        mean value
     4: a difference between conflicting facts or claims or
        opinions; "a growing divergence of opinion" [syn: {discrepancy},
         {disagreement}, {divergence}]
     5: the quality of being subject to variation [syn: {variability},
         {variableness}] [ant: {invariability}, {invariability}]
     6: an activity that varies from a norm or standard; "any
        variation in his routine was immediately reported" [syn: {variation}]
Source: WordNet® 2.0