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
Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Dallas is one of three teams on that 44-team list with a negative point differential.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Josh Kendall, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
The Patriots, as a team, rank 12th in turnover differential at +2.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for differential
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Adjective
Convection within the Sun and the differential rotation of the Sun’s surface warp the coronal magnetic field, as do links to the interplanetary field created by the solar wind.
—Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Dallas is one of three teams on that 44-team list with a negative point differential.
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
All three teams are in the bottom 22 of the league in point differential.
—Josh Kendall, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
The Patriots, as a team, rank 12th in turnover differential at +2.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 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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