Definition of differential
1a : of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing differential characteristicsb : making a distinction between individuals or classes differential tax ratesc : based on or resulting from a differentiald : functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate differential melting
2 mathematics : being, relating to, or involving a differential (see 2differential 1) or differentiation
3 physics a : relating to quantitative differences (as of motion or pressure)b : producing effects by reason of quantitative differences
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Examples of differential in a Sentence
did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work
Recent Examples of differential from the Web
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The starting pitching’s struggles have led to many lopsided losses and a minus-78 run differential unbecoming of a legitimate contender.
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The Indians' +59 run differential ranks fourth in the AL and seventh overall.
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The Blugold Commitment Fund, which is supported through differential tuition dollars, also contributed approximately $1 million to faculty-student research during the 2015-2016 academic year.
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A comparison of their efforts: Dates Run differentialAvg.
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The Indians' +15 run differential ranks fifth in the American League.
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Differential privacy works by inserting noise — or bad information — into good data in order to confuse outsiders who might try to hone in on an individual's records.
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Leilani’s courses this year: Differential Equations Light, Optics, and Modern Physics Advanced Composition: Critical Reasoning and Writing History of Rock Music Political Science:
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Rallies or bans did not have differential effects in places where support for AKP was higher either.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'differential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of differential
see 1different
differential
Definition of differential
1 mathematics a : the product (see product 1) of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variableb : 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
3a : 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 differentialb : a case covering such an assembly
Recent Examples of differential from the Web
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Nevertheless, the District 10/Broward County champions are headed to the Florida State Tournament just south of Orlando July 21-23 after being awarded the sectional title on a run-differential formula.
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Costa Rica currently sits in second place in Group A due to goal differential after beating Honduras 1-0 and drawing Canada 1-1.
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Its answer is differential privacy, a term virtually unknown outside of academic circles until a year ago.
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During Friday's Red Grange Classic 7-on-7 at Wheaton Warrenville South, Mooney's passing sparked Huntley to 5-0 start and to first place in its pool with the best point differential of 32 teams.
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In fact, some viewers will be made queasy by differentials in wealth and privilege between the athlete and those around her.
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The numbers include commissions and tips, but not overtime, bonuses and shift differentials.
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The team had a plus-87 run differential (136-49), hit .296 and had a 1.89 ERA.
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The Royals are 24-16 since that miserable start, but a +1 run differential suggests an unsustainable level of good fortune.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'differential.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of differential
see 1different
DIFFERENTIAL Defined for English Language Learners
differential
playDefinition of differential for English Language Learners
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: relating to or based on a difference : treating some people or groups differently from others
differential
Definition of differential for English Language Learners
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: a difference between people or things
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: a gear or an arrangement of gears in a vehicle that allows one wheel to turn faster than another when the vehicle is going around a curve
Medical Dictionary
differential
playMedical Definition of differential
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
Learn More about differential
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for differential Nglish: Translation of differential for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of differential for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about differential
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