differential
adjective
dif·fer·en·tial
| \ ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl
\
\
Definition of differential
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing
differential characteristics
b
: making a distinction between individuals or classes
differential tax rates
c
: based on or resulting from a differential
d
: functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate
differential melting
2
mathematics
: being, relating to, or involving a differential (see differential entry 2 sense 1) or differentiation
3 physics
a
: relating to quantitative differences (as of motion or pressure)
b
: producing effects by reason of quantitative differences
differential
nounDefinition of differential (Entry 2 of 2)
1 mathematics
a
: the product (see product sense 1) 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
2
: a difference between comparable individuals or classes
a price differential
also
: the amount of such a difference
3a
: a drivetrain gear assembly connecting two collinear shafts or axles (such as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other
a locking rear differential
b
: a case covering such an assembly
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Other Words from differential
Adjective
differentially
\ ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shə-lē
\
adverb
\
adverb
Synonyms & Antonyms for differential
Synonyms: Adjective
discriminating, discriminational, discriminative, discriminatory
Antonyms: Adjective
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Examples of differential in a Sentence
Adjective
did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same workRecent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Take the offense out of it, that differential straight-up torpedoed any chance of the Niners’ being competitive last season. — Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, "Kurtenbach: Three reasons why the 49ers will make the playoffs in 2019," 3 Sep. 2019 But this next wave will likely have differential impacts on occupations. — Robert D. Atkinson, National Review, "Higher Productivity Is Good for Workers," 25 July 2019 The run differential numbers aren’t much in this year’s Tigers’ favor, either. — Ryan Ford, Detroit Free Press, "81 games down, the 2019 Detroit Tigers are dancing in 2003 territory," 7 June 2019 Given their goal-differential edge, the Americans would secure first place with a win or a draw, while Panama would need a win to top the group. — Avi Creditor, SI.com, "LIVE: USA, Panama Vie for First in Gold Cup Group," 26 June 2019 But today, Pickett said, natural law theory is mostly used to justify differential treatment of LGBTQ people. — Kathryn Joyce, The New Republic, "The Man Behind the State Department’s New “Natural Law” Focus," 14 June 2019 Yes, goal differential matters, so the more goals the better. — Bill Goodykoontz, azcentral, "Carli Lloyd's golf-clap celebration after scoring a World Cup goal was perfect. Here's why," 3 June 2019 They are differentially impacted by climate change and rightly expect differential attention and support from climate policy. — David Roberts, Vox, "Washington votes no on a carbon tax — again," 6 Nov. 2018 That differential tax treatment encourages employers to shift compensation toward generous health benefits. — James C. Capretta, WSJ, "An ObamaCare Tax Worth Keeping," 19 July 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
For V-8-powered models, the package also adds a sport rear differential. — Arv Voss, Houston Chronicle, "BMW launches first-ever X7," 23 Aug. 2019 Every game counts in the system with a 14-point cap put on point differentials. — Richard Obert, azcentral, "Is Arizona high school football ready for historic Open Division season?," 23 Aug. 2019 The Porsche uses the Tesla’s electric motor, inverter, rear differential, and even the throttle pedal. — Sean O'kane, The Verge, "This Tesla-powered Porsche 912 is the new face of vintage restorations," 1 Aug. 2019 Since May 16, Oakland is 37-17, tied with the Yankees for the majors’ best record, and the team’s run differential in that span is 321-215. — Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, "A’s bounce back again, beat Twins 5-3," 19 July 2019 Standard equipment includes permanent four-wheel drive with limited-slip rear differential and active torque vectoring, air suspension, full LED adaptive headlights and taillights, smart key locking and push-button ignition. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "650-hp Lamborghini Urus is all beef, no bull," 14 July 2019 Since losing to Venezuela at the University of Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium on June 9, the U.S. men have rolled along in the Gold Cup, posting a plus-14 goal differential and allowing just one score by its opponents. — Pat Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "The USWNT, USMNT both play for championships Sunday. Here's how to watch them.," 3 July 2019 The Pro-4X, with its protective skid plates and locking differential, takes those laurels. — Al Haas, Philly.com, "Nissan offers up a pricey, muscular pickup," 20 Feb. 2018 If there's a very dark, heavy, sticky oil under your truck's rear axle, the seals in your differential could be letting go. — Mac Demere, Popular Mechanics, "11 Things Your Car Is Trying to Tell You," 2 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'differential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for differential
differential
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of differential
(Entry 1 of 2)
formal
: relating to or based on a difference : treating some people or groups differently from others
differential
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of differential (Entry 2 of 2)
: a difference between people or things
technical
: 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
See the full definition for differential in the English Language Learners Dictionary