An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. The quality or state of having different forms or types.
   

2. A number or collection of different things especially of a particular class.
   

3. Something differing from others of the same general kind.
   

4. Any of various groups of plants or animals ranking below a species (Merriam-Webster.com).

Etymology (EN): M.Fr. variété, from L. varietatem (nominative varietas) “difference, diversity; a kind, variety, species, sort,” from varius, → various.

Etymology (PE): Vartiné, from vartin, → various, + noun/nuance suffix -é.