differential

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

Origin: 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