variant
/ˈvɛːrɪənt
/noun
A form or version of something that differs in some respect from other forms of the same thing or from a standard: clinically distinct variants of malaria [as modifier]: a variant spelling...
- Despite the relatively small number of variants, the form of the tale differs in North Wales and in South Wales.
- It is disconcerting, however, that two-thirds of the menus here offer variants on pork dishes.
- If a virus is in the human population then over time the number of variants will steadily increase.
Synonyms
variation, form, alternative, alternative form, other form, different form, derived form, development, adaptation, alteration, modification, revision, revised version, transformation, permutation, transfiguration, metamorphosis, mutant, deviant, rogue, aberration
alternative, other, different, divergent, disparate, derived, adapted, modified, revised, altered, mutant, deviant, rogue, aberrant
Origin
Late Middle English (as an adjective in the sense 'tending to vary'): from Old French, literally 'varying', present participle of varier (see vary). The noun dates from the mid 19th century.