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differential Definition

dif·fer·en·tial (dif′ər en′s̸həl)

adjective

  1. of, showing, or depending on a difference or differences differential rates
  2. constituting or making a specific difference; distinguishing differential qualities
  3. producing differing effects or results, as by the use of differing components a differential gear
  4. Math. of or involving differentials

Etymology: ML differentialis < L differentia: see difference

noun

  1. a differentiating amount, degree, factor, etc. differentials in salary
  2. Math.
    1. an infinitesimal difference between two consecutive values of a variable quantity
    2. the derivative of a function multiplied by a small increment of the independent variable
  3. Mech. a differential gear

differential Related Forms

dif′·fer·en′·tially adverb

differential Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • widen: I have already announced our intention to widen differentials on Vehicle Excise Duty in favor of greener vehicles, in a revenue neutral manner.
  • prohibit: And prohibited differential are interactions between doctor outside the.
  • maintain: Their ability to maintain a price differential without dramatic losses of market share appears to have reduced.

Adjective modifier

  • semantic: In each case a semantic differential was used from 1 - extremely unlikely to 5 - certain.
  • socio-economic: TSN is primarily concerned with socio-economic differentials based on religious background.
  • geographic: Dear Dr. Hackenbush, I am a graduate student at the University of Michigan interested in geographic mortality differentials in Scotland.
  • rear: I've personally never heard of anyone ever having a problem more serious than an oil leak from the rear differential on our cars.
  • limited: At the rear is a limited slip differential with a 3.46 to 1 ratio to reduce rear wheel slip under acceleration.

Modifies a noun

  • equation: We shall meet a number of examples of such a partial differential equation later.
  • diagnosis: Differential diagnoses are few in cats with multiple cardinal clinical signs.
  • calculus: This was to support the differential calculus against attacks by Berkeley.
  • geometry: After taking special topic courses on group theory and differential geometry, Higman received an MA.
  • gps: Continuous recording of magnetic field was used, with locations recorded using differential GPS.
  • turnout: There are lessons to be learned from the differential turnout.

Noun used with modifier

  • limited-slip: The Japanese version I tried had a number of options, including stiffer sports suspension, a limited-slip differential, heated seats and air-conditioning.
  • first-order: Section 2 starts by looking at the direction field associated with a first-order differential equation.
  • unemployment: We find that religion accounts for about half of the unemployment differential in our two samples.
  • slip: At the rear is a limited slip differential with a 3.46 to 1 ratio to reduce rear wheel slip under acceleration.
  • wage: The Atlantic extrapolation of the New Deal presumed wage differentials justifying the transfer of production from the United States to the Old World.
  • price: Their ability to maintain a price differential without dramatic losses of market share appears to have reduced.