differentia

noun dif·fer·en·tia \ ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ē-)ə \

Examples: differentia in a Sentence

Definition of differentia

plural differentiae play \-shē-ˌē, -shē-ˌī\

: an element, feature, or factor that distinguishes one entity, state, or class from another; especially : a characteristic trait distinguishing a species from other species of the same genus

Examples of differentia in a Sentence

a list of the chief differentiae between a controlling cult and a legitimate religious sect

Origin and Etymology of differentia

borrowed from Latin — more at ¹difference

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1551

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

differentia Synonyms

Synonyms

attribute, attribution, character, characteristic, criterion, feature, fingerprint, hallmark, mark, marker, note, particularity, peculiarity, point, property, quality, specific, stamp, touch, trait;

Related Words

badge, indication, sign;

emblem, symbol, token;

charm, grace;

excellence, merit, virtue;

eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk;

individuality, singularity, uniqueness;

Medical Dictionary

differentia

noun dif·fer·en·tia \ ˌdif-ə-ˈren-ch(ē-)ə \

medical Definition of differentia

plural differentiae play \-chē-ˌē, -chē-ˌī\

: the element, feature, or factor that distinguishes one entity, state, or class from another; especially : a characteristic trait distinguishing a species from other species of the same genus