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.
Most organizations will use more than one. Build Your Own Proprietary AI solutions make sense for use cases that are core to the business and offer clear opportunities for differentiation and competitive advantage. Emily Lewis-Pinnell, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 Following 21 days of glutamatergic neural differentiation, three anti-seizure medications – phenytoin, perampanel and carbamazepine – were tested on the SBI epilepsy model. New Atlas, 26 June 2025 Too much differentiation can feel stark, while too little may look flat. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 25 June 2025 Backed by omnichannel marketing and frontline integration, the platform is designed to create differentiation in a category that has historically competed on the same terms, while building trust at scale. Seth Matlins, Forbes.com, 19 June 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 4 Jul. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!