self-differentiation

noun

self-dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion ˌself-ˌdi-fə-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce self-differentiation (audio)
plural self-differentiations
: an act or instance of differentiating the self : a setting apart of oneself as distinct from others (such as one's family or classmates)
In this new biography, he sets out to persuade us that Cézanne embarked as a young man on a project of self-definition and self-differentiation.Frances Spalding
self-differentiate intransitive verb
self-differentiated; self-differentiating; self-differentiates
the ability to self-differentiate
self-differentiating experiences

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-differentiation was in 1872

Dictionary Entries Near self-differentiation

Cite this Entry

“Self-differentiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-differentiation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

self-differentiation

noun
self-dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion -ˌdif-ə-ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce self-differentiation (audio)
: differentiation of a structure or tissue due to factors existent in itself and essentially independent of other parts of the developing organism
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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