always used before a noun
formal
: relating to or based on a difference : treating some people or groups differently from others
The law is intended to prevent differential [=discriminatory] treatment of women in the workplace.
plural differentials
1
: a difference between people or things
Although there is a small price differential [=a small difference in price], we believe it's worth buying the computer with a faster processor.
2
technical
: 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
called also differential gear
Cite this Entry
“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/differential. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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