The Clue
Something not to be relied on (8 letter answer)
The Answer
VARIABLE
Tags
Notes
The answer VARIABLE is so rare that it appears less than once every 2900 puzzles.
Related Clues
Fickle
Like some stars
Like some manufacturing costs
Definition
VARIABLE as a noun:
1. something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation; "the weather is one variable to be considered"
2. (variable, variable quantity) = a quantity that can assume any of a set of values
3. (variable star, variable) = a star that varies noticeably in brightness
4. a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity
VARIABLE as an adjective:
1. liable to or capable of change; "rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable"; "variable winds"; "variable expenses"
2. (varying, variable) = marked by diversity or difference; "the varying angles of roof slope"; "nature is infinitely variable"
3. (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied; "a variable capacitor"; "variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights"