variance

noun

1. an event that departs from expectations
2. discord that splits a group
3. the second moment around the mean; the expected value of the square of the deviations of a random variable from its mean value
4. a difference between conflicting facts or claims or opinions"a growing divergence of opinion"
5. the quality of being subject to variation
6. an official dispensation to act contrary to a rule or regulation (typically a building regulation)"a zoning variance"
7. an activity that varies from a norm or standard"any variation in his routine was immediately reported"