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.
Expense ratio. An expense ratio is the percentage of a mutual fund's or variable annuity's total assets deducted to cover operating and management expenses. Those expenses include employee salaries, custodial and transfer fees, distribution, marketing, and other costs of offering the fund or contract.