Definitions of differential [ˌdɪf əˈrɛn ʃəl]

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Definition of 'differential'

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

1. (adj.) differential
of or pertaining to difference or diversity.

2.  differential
constituting a difference; distinguishing; distinctive.

3.  differential
exhibiting or depending upon a difference or distinction.

4.  differential
pertaining to or involving the difference of two or more motions, forces, etc.

5.  differential
pertaining to or involving a mathematical derivative or derivatives.

6. (n.) differential
a difference or the amount of difference, as in rate, cost, degree, or quality, between things that are comparable.

7.  differential
Math.

8.  differential
a function of two variables that is obtained from a given function, y = f(x), and that expresses the approximate increment in the given function as the derivative of the function times the increment in the independent variable, written as dy = f′(x)
dx.

9.  differential
any generalization of this function to higher dimensions.

10.  differential
Physics. the quantitative difference between two or more forces, motions, etc.:
a pressure differential.

Etymology: (1640–50; < ML)

Definition of 'differential'

Princeton's WordNet

1. (noun) derived function, derivative, differential coefficient, differential, first derivative
the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx

2. (noun) differential
a quality that differentiates between similar things

3. (adj) differential gear, differential
a bevel gear that permits rotation of two shafts at different speeds; used on the rear axle of automobiles to allow wheels to rotate at different speeds on curves

4. (adj) differential
relating to or showing a difference
"differential treatment"

5. (adj) differential
involving or containing one or more derivatives
"differential equation"

Definition of 'differential'

Webster Dictionary

1. (adj) differential
relating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate

2. (adj) differential
of or pertaining to a differential, or to differentials

3. (adj) differential
relating to differences of motion or leverage; producing effects by such differences; said of mechanism

4. (noun) differential
an increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity

5. (noun) differential
a small difference in rates which competing railroad lines, in establishing a common tariff, allow one of their number to make, in order to get a fair share of the business. The lower rate is called a differential rate. Differentials are also sometimes granted to cities

6. (noun) differential
one of two coils of conducting wire so related to one another or to a magnet or armature common to both, that one coil produces polar action contrary to that of the other

7. (noun) differential
a form of conductor used for dividing and distributing the current to a series of electric lamps so as to maintain equal action in all

'differential' - Nearby Entries
differential differential diagnosis differential equation differential gear differential limen differential psychology differentially

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