variorum noun & adjective. [vɛ:rɪ'ɔ:rǝm] E18.
[Latin, lit. 'of various (people)', genit. pl. of varius VARIOUS, esp. in phr. editio cum notis variorum edition with the notes of various (commentators).]
A. noun.
1. a. An edition, esp. of the complete works of a classical author, containing the notes of various commentators or editors. Also variorum edition. E18.
b. An edition, usu. of an author's complete works, containing variant readings from manuscripts or earlier editions. Also variorum edition. M20.

2. Variation; (a) novelty; a source of variety. Also, an unnecessary decoration or flourish. Scot. L18.
b. attrib. or as adjective. Of, pertaining to, or designating a variorum; (of matter in a book etc.) obtained or collected from various sources. Also, (of a reading in a text) variant. E18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲