¹differential

adjective dif·fer·en·tial \ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl\

: relating to or based on a difference : treating some people or groups differently from others

Full Definition of DIFFERENTIAL

a : of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing

b : making a distinction between individuals or classes

c : based on or resulting from a differential

d : functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate

: being, relating to, or involving a differential or differentiation

a : relating to quantitative differences

b : producing effects by reason of quantitative differences

— dif·fer·en·tial·ly \-ˈren(t)-shə-lē\ adverb

See differential defined for English-language learners

See differential defined for kids

First Known Use of DIFFERENTIAL

1647

Related to DIFFERENTIAL

Synonyms: discriminatory, discriminating, discriminational, discriminative

Antonyms: nondiscriminatory

²differential

noun

: a difference between people or things

: a gear or an arrangement of gears in a vehicle that allows one wheel to turn faster than another when the vehicle is going around a curve

Full Definition of DIFFERENTIAL

a : the product of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variable

b : a sum of products in which each product consists of a partial derivative of a given function of several variables multiplied by the corresponding increment and which contains as many products as there are independent variables in the function

: a difference between comparable individuals or classes <a price differential>; also : the amount of such a difference

a : a drivetrain gear assembly connecting two collinear shafts or axles (as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other

b : a case covering such an assembly

See differential defined for English-language learners