variant
UK: ˈveə.ri.ənt | US: ˈver.i.ənt
n. a form or version of something that differs in some respect from other forms of the same thing
adj. differing in form, nature, or substance from something of the same general class
The word "variant" originates from the Latin variare (to change), derived from varius (diverse, varied). The suffix "-ant" (from Latin -antem) forms adjectives indicating a state or quality. Thus, "variant" literally means "having the quality of varying." The term evolved through Old French variant before entering English, retaining its core meaning of divergence or difference.
The software update includes a variant of the original algorithm.
Researchers identified a new variant of the virus.
This manuscript is a variant of the well-known medieval text.
The artist created several variant designs for the project.
Linguistic variants often arise due to regional influences.