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variety

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va⋅ri⋅e⋅ty

  [vuh-rahy-i-tee] noun, plural -ties, adjective
Use variety in a Sentence
–noun
1. the state of being varied or diversified: to give variety to a diet.
2. difference; discrepancy.
3. a number of different types of things, esp. ones in the same general category: a large variety of fruits.
4. a kind or sort.
5. a different form, condition, or phase of something: varieties of pastry; a variety of economic reforms.
6. a category within a species, based on some hereditary difference.
7. a type of animal or plant produced by artificial selection.
8. Philately. a stamp differing from others of the same issue through an accident other than an error of an artist or printer. Compare error (def. 8), freak 1 (def. 5).
9. Also called variety show. entertainment of mixed character, consisting of a number of individual performances or acts, as of singing, dancing, or skits. Compare vaudeville (def. 1).
–adjective
10. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a variety: a variety performer.
Origin:
1525–35; < L varietās, equiv. to vari(us) various + -etās, var. of -itās -ity after a vowel

Synonyms:
1. diversity, multiplicity. 3. assortment, collection, group. 5. kind, sort, class, species.

Antonyms:
1. sameness.

Usage note:
3, 5. As a collective noun, variety, when preceded by a, is often treated as a plural: A variety of inexpensive goods are sold here. When preceded by the, it is usually treated as a singular: The variety of products is small. See also collective noun, number.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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va·ri·e·ty   (və-rī'ĭ-tē)   
n.   pl. va·ri·e·ties

  1. The quality or condition of being various or varied; diversity.

  2. A number or collection of varied things, especially of a particular group; an assortment: brought home a variety of snacks.

  3. A group that is distinguished from other groups by a specific characteristic or set of characteristics.

  4. Biology

    1. A taxonomic subdivision of a species consisting of naturally occurring or selectively bred populations or individuals that differ from the remainder of the species in certain minor characteristics.

    2. An organism, especially a plant, belonging to such a subdivision.

  5. A variety show.


[French variété, from Old French, from Latin varietās, varietāt-, from varius, various.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

variety 
1533, from M.Fr. variété, from L. varietatem (nom. varietas) "difference, diversity," from varius "various" (see vary). First recorded 1868, Amer.Eng., in ref. to "music hall or theatrical performances of a mixed nature."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: va·ri·e·ty
Pronunciation: v&-'rI-&t-E
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -ties
: any ofvarious groups of plants or animals ranking below a species : SUBSPECIES
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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