Main Entry: dif·fer·en·ti·a·tion

Pronunciation: \-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈā-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 1802

1 : the act or process of differentiating
2 : development from the one to the many, the simple to the complex, or the homogeneous to the heterogeneous
3 a : modification of body parts for performance of particular functions b : the sum of the processes whereby apparently indifferent or unspecialized cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function
4 : the processes by which various rock types are produced from a common magma