differentiation

noun

dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion ˌdi-fə-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce differentiation (audio)
1
: the act or process of differentiating
2
: development from the one to the many, the simple to the complex, or the homogeneous to the heterogeneous
differentiation of Latin into vernaculars
3
biology
a
: modification of body parts for performance of particular functions
b
: the sum of the processes whereby apparently indifferent (see indifferent sense 7) or unspecialized cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function
4
geology : the processes by which various rock types are produced from a common magma

Examples of differentiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bondi's comments have faced criticism by a number of prominent MAGA voices, as well as legal experts who have pointed that there is no differentiation between hate speech in First Amendment rights. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025 Managing this paradox requires balancing dignity with differentiation. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 Unlike lithium-ion batteries, where mature designs leave little room for differentiation beyond materials, electrolyzers still exhibit vast design divergence. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2025 In one case, when the female did respond, the male was unsuccessful when trying to mate, confirming their differentiation as two species. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for differentiation

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin differentiātiōn-, differentiātiō, from Medieval Latin differentiāre "to distinguish, differentiate" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of differentiation was in 1776

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Differentiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differentiation. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

differentiation

noun
dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion ˌdif-ə-ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce differentiation (audio)
1
: the act or process of differentiating
2
: the processes by which cells and tissues develop their specialized adult form and function
also : the result of these processes

Medical Definition

differentiation

noun
dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion -ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce differentiation (audio)
1
a
: the act of describing a thing by giving its differentia
b
: the enhancement of microscopically visible differences between tissue or cell parts by partial selective decolorization or removal of excess stain (as in regressive staining)
c
: the development of a discriminating conditioned response with a positive response to one stimulus and absence of the response on the application of similar but discriminably different stimuli
2
a
: modification of different parts of the body for performance of particular functions
also : specialization of parts or organs in the course of evolution
b
: the sum of the developmental processes whereby apparently unspecialized cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function compare determination sense 2
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