determinant

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtər-mə-nənt 

1

: an element that identifies or determines the nature of something or that fixes or conditions an outcome

education level as a determinant of income

2

mathematics : a square array of numbers bordered on the left and right by a vertical line and having a value equal to the algebraic sum of all possible products where the number of factors in each product is the same as the number of rows or columns, each factor in a given product is taken from a different row and column, and the sign of a product is positive or negative depending upon whether the number of permutations necessary to place the indices representing each factor's position in its row or column in the order of the natural numbers is odd or even

3

genetics : gene

the determinant of the sickle-cell trait

4

biology : epitope

determinantal

di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnan-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of determinant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Co-occurring mental health concerns often drive substance use, and social determinants such as housing stability, employment, access to care, and systemic inequities strongly shape outcomes. —Gwilym Roddick, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026

According to an emerging school of thought associated with Spanish exercise physiologist Iñigo San Millán, lactate levels are a key marker of mitochondrial health, which in turn is an important determinant of metabolic flexibility. —Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 5 Mar. 2026

Biologists generally explain that DNA is not the sole determinant of an animal’s traits. —Ryan Brennan march 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026

Researchers and public health officials consider accurate and affirming identification documents an essential determinant of health. —Noelle Martin, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing determinant

• antigenic determinant

Rhymes for determinant

• impermanent
• permanent
• semipermanent

Kids Definition

determinant

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt 

: something that determines or influences

Medical Definition

determinant

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt 

1

a

: a hypothetical aggregate of biophores conceived as comparable to the gene of more recent biological theory

b

: gene

2

: epitope