In medical research, cross-sectional studies differ from case-control studies in that they aim to provide data on the entire population under study, whereas case-control studies typically include only individuals with a specific characteristic, with a sample, often a tiny minority, of the rest of the population.
(redirected from Variable Expense) Also found in: Dictionary, Wikipedia. A cost that is directly proportional to the volume of output produced. When production is zero, the variable cost is equal to zero. A cost to a person or business that varies over time according to a number of factors.
A cost that changes in proportion to a change in a company's activity or business. Investopedia explains Variable Cost. A good example of a variable cost is fuel for an airline. This cost changes with the number of flights and how long the trips are.