Search Dictionary
Definition of differentiation

differentiation

/ˌdɪf.əˌrɛn.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən/
dif · fer · en · ti · a · tion
Plural:differentiations
•
Adjective:differentiable
JUMP TO:

differentiation Lexical Profile

differentiation Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action or process of recognizing, making, or demonstrating what makes someone or something different from others.

Example

"Clear product differentiation helped the small startup compete against established industry giants."

2

The developmental process by which unspecialized cells or tissues become modified to perform specific functions (in biology).

Example

"Stem cell research focuses heavily on controlling cellular differentiation to regenerate damaged tissues."

3

The mathematical process of finding the derivative or rate of change of a function (in calculus).

Example

"Students in introductory calculus learn the rules of differentiation before moving on to integration."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for differentiation
Antonyms
View all antonyms for differentiation

• Rhymes for differentiation

• Nearby Words

differential
differentially
differentiate
differentiation
differentiator
differently
differentness

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from Medieval Latin differentiatus, the past participle of differentiare ('to distinguish'), which itself derives from Latin differentia ('difference').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Differentiation. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/differentiation
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.