differential

differential
adj. & n.
—adj.
1 a of, exhibiting, or depending on a difference. b varying according to circumstances.
2 Math. relating to infinitesimal differences.
3 constituting a specific difference; distinctive; relating to specific differences (differential diagnosis).
4 Physics & Mech. concerning the difference of two or more motions, pressures, etc.
—n.
1 a difference between individuals or examples of the same kind.
2 Brit. a difference in wage or salary between industries or categories of employees in the same industry.
3 a difference between rates of interest etc.
4 Math. a an infinitesimal difference between successive values of a variable. b a function expressing this as a rate of change with respect to another variable.
5 (in full differential gear) a gear allowing a vehicle's driven wheels to revolve at different speeds in cornering.
Phrases and idioms:
differential calculus Math. a method of calculating rates of change, maximum or minimum values, etc. (cf. INTEGRAL). differential coefficient Math. = DERIVATIVE. differential equation Math. an equation involving differentials among its quantities.
Derivatives:
differentially adv.
Etymology: med. & mod.L differentialis (as DIFFERENCE)

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Synonyms:

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  • Differential — may refer to: Contents 1 Mathematics 2 Natural sciences and engineering 3 Social sciences 4 Medicine 5 …   Wikipedia

  • differential — dif fer*en tial, a. [Cf. F. diff[ e]rentiel.] 1. Relating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate. [1913 Webster] For whom he… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Differential — Dif fer*en tial, n. 1. (Math.) An increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity. [1913 Webster] Note: According to the more modern writers upon the differential and integral calculus, if two or more… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • differential — is a noun and adjective with several technical and general meanings. As an adjective it is used principally in combinations such as differential rates of interest, which are not just different rates of interest but rates based on quantifiable… …   Modern English usage

  • differential — [dif΄ər en′shəl] adj. [ML differentialis < L differentia: see DIFFERENCE] 1. of, showing, or depending on a difference or differences [differential rates] 2. constituting or making a specific difference; distinguishing [differential qualities] …   English World dictionary

  • Differential — Differential, eine unendlich kleine Aenderung einer stetig veränderlichen Größe x. Das Differential, das mit dx bezeichnet wird, besitzt dieselben Merkmale wie x, aber ein abstufbares Merkmal hat den Wert Null, z.B. Bogendifferential ist ein… …   Lexikon der gesamten Technik

  • differential — I noun attribute, characteristic, constituting a difference, contrasting quality, delicate distinction, difference of degree, differentiating trait, distinction, distinctive feature, distinguishing feature, feature, gradation, grade, graduation,… …   Law dictionary

  • Differential — (v. lat. Differentiale), 1) (Math.), s.u. Differentialrechnung; 2) Chemisches D., so v.w. Atom …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • Differentiāl — in Verbindung mit einem Hauptwort bei Maschinen oder Maschinenteilen, Apparaten etc. oft angewendet (z. B. Differentialflaschenzug, Differentialpumpe etc.), um im allgemeinen die Wirkung zweier, in entgegengesetztem Sinne tätigen Einflüsse zu …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

  • Differential... — Differentiāl... (neulat.) bedeutet bei Bezeichnungen maschineller Vorrichtungen, daß eine Hauptbewegung durch eine entgegengesetzte Bewegung geschwächt wird, so daß nur die Differenz beider Bewegungen zum Ausdruck kommt, z.B. Differentialgetriebe …   Kleines Konversations-Lexikon

  • differential... — differential...,   Schreibvariante für differenzial …   Universal-Lexikon

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