differential

differential
I. adjective Date: 1647 1. 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 2. being, relating to, or involving a differential or differentiation 3. a. relating to quantitative differences b. producing effects by reason of quantitative differences • differentially adverb II. noun Date: 1704 1. 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 2. a difference between comparable individuals or classes <
a price differential
>
; also the amount of such a difference 3. 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

New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?
Synonyms:

Look at other dictionaries:

  • 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

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”