1. （同一事物略微的）变化形式
    A variation on something is the same thing presented in a slightly different form.

    e.g. This delicious variation on an omelette is quick and easy to prepare...
           这种稍加变化的可口煎蛋卷做起来又快又容易。
    e.g. Many theories on punishment exist, all of which are variations on a theme.
           关于惩罚的理论有很多，虽形式略有不同，但其主旨都是一样的。

2. （等级或数量的）变化，变动，变更
    A variation is a change or slight difference in a level, amount, or quantity.

variation是什么意思

    e.g. The survey found a wide variation in the prices charged for canteen food...
           调查发现食堂饭菜的价格相差很大。
    e.g. Every day without variation my grandfather ate a plate of cold ham.
           我的祖父每天都会吃一盘冷火腿，雷打不动。