variance
noun
uk/ˈveəriəns/ us [ C or U ]
a difference between two or more or things:
We found a wide variance in the size, shape, and design of digital projectors.
The government fears that too much variance in the treatment of Scottish and English students could cause political strain.
[ C ] ACCOUNTING
the difference between the costs, sales, etc. expected during a particular period, and the final costs, etc:
Weekly sales variances are more volatile and ultimately less meaningful.
[ C ] LAW, PROPERTY US
a change in a law, especially one involving the use of property, that is allowed by a local government in particular situations:
apply for/request/seek a variance The power company has applied for a variance to the county rule on burying lines.
grant/deny a variance They filed a lawsuit against trustees after they were denied a variance to build a home on 17.82 acres.
He says he requested a zoning variance but that the county refused to process it.