There is no word varbiable(s)....the word variables has multiple meanings.
Essentially a variable is any components that cannot readily controlled
In scientific studies variables are the components that can be different or
be changed to determine if a particular theory is correct.
For example: To determine at what concentration an antibiotic drug needs to be to kill a specific bacteria the testers vary the concentration. To determine the number of days it takes for a drug to kill a bacteria the testers vary the number of days the drug is given.
Concentration and duration would be two variables that would need to be controlled during experimentation.
In chemistry some of the main variables are temperature, pressure, concentration, etc.
In physics some of the main variables force, acceleration, mass, velocity, energy, distance, gravity, friction...etc.
The term variable is used in mathematics, statistics, Biology...and about anywhere that something is studied.