dif·fer·en·tial
ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 
1
a
: of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing
differential characteristics
b
: making a distinction between individuals or classes
differential tax rates
c
: based on or resulting from a differential
d
: functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate
differential melting
2
mathematics
: being, relating to, or involving a differential (see differential entry 2 sense 1) or differentiation
3
physics
a
: relating to quantitative differences (as of motion or pressure)
b
: producing effects by reason of quantitative differences
1
mathematics
a
: the product (see product sense 1) 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 (such as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other
a locking rear differential
b
: a case covering such an assembly
Examples of differential in a Sentence
Adjective
did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work
Recent Examples on the Web
Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
The same bill would also carve out Louisville's Central Business District from requirements to fund services through specific differential tax percentages over time.
—Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The 196-point differential between their winning percentage at home (.643) and on the road (.447) is fourth highest in the major leagues.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for differential
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Adjective
Each differential divvies up the twisting force from a motor but introduces extra friction and drivetrain losses into the equation.
—Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
The same bill would also carve out Louisville's Central Business District from requirements to fund services through specific differential tax percentages over time.
—Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
Noun
Buyers can also get a two-speed transfer case and locking rear differential, plus crawl control (low-speed cruise control for off-roading) and hill-descent control.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The 196-point differential between their winning percentage at home (.643) and on the road (.447) is fourth highest in the major leagues.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for differential
Cite this Entry
“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differential. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
differential
1 of 2 adjective
dif·fer·en·tial
ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
a
: of, relating to, or being a difference
b
: treating some individuals or classes differently from others : discriminatory
2
: acting or proceeding differently or at a different rate
differential diffusion of molecules through a membrane
differential
2 of 2 noun1
: an amount or degree of difference between comparable things
the price differential between a small and large box of popcorn
2
: an arrangement of gears in an automobile that allows one wheel to turn faster than another (as in going around a curve)
Medical Definition
differential
adjective
dif·fer·en·tial
ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a difference
differential birth rates in different economic levels
2
: making a distinction between individuals or classes
differential cell counts
differential staining
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