noun (n)

• an event that departs from expectations(noun.event)

  Synonym:
  discrepancy, variant
  

  source: wordnet30
• discord that splits a group(noun.communication)

  Synonym:
  division
  

  source: wordnet30
• the second moment around the mean; the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value(noun.cognition)

  source: wordnet30
• a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions(noun.attribute)

  Synonym:
  disagreement, discrepancy, divergence
  

  source: wordnet30
• the quality of being subject to variation(noun.attribute)

  Synonym:
  variability, variableness
  Antonym:
  invariability, invariableness, invariance
  

  source: wordnet30
• an official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation)(noun.act)

  Example:
  A zoning variance.
  

  source: wordnet30
• an activity that varies from a norm or standard(noun.act)

  Synonym:
  variation
  

  source: wordnet30
• The quality or state of being variant; change of condition; variation.(noun)

  source: webster1913