differential
differential Lexical Profile
differential Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Of, relating to, or constituting a difference; varying according to circumstances or relevant factors.
"The airline introduced differential pricing based on how far in advance passengers book their tickets."
Relating to or involving mathematical differentials or derivatives in calculus.
"Engineers use differential equations to model how heat flows through solid materials over time."
Relating to or producing a difference in motion, pressure, or force between two connected mechanical or physical parts.
"A differential pressure gauge measures the drop in fluid pressure across the industrial filter."
• noun
A difference between amounts, rates, wages, or prices, especially between comparable things or categories.
"The union negotiated to reduce the wage differential between entry-level and senior technicians."
A gear mechanism in a motor vehicle that transmits engine power to the wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds when turning a corner.
"The mechanic inspected the rear differential after hearing a grinding noise during sharp turns."
An infinitesimal change in a variable, or the linear approximation to the change in a function with respect to changes in the independent variable (in calculus).
"The professor demonstrated how to compute the total differential of a multivariable function."
• Rhymes for differential
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Medieval Latin differentialis, derived from Latin differentia ('difference'), from differre ('to carry apart, differ'). Its mathematical sense in calculus was introduced by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in the late 17th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.