deferent

adjective

def·​er·​ent ˈde-fə-rənt How to pronounce deferent (audio)
ˈdef-rənt

Examples of deferent in a Sentence

though he's already attained star status, the rookie remains deferent to the team's veteran players
Recent Examples on the Web The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle. Carlie Procell, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2023 Curiously, the Biden administration sees it this way, too, but still takes a stance deferent to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s fierce advocacy for it and opposition to U.S. sanctions that would target European companies and individuals involved in its construction. Jimmy Quinn, National Review, 20 July 2021 The men were expected to be compliant, deferent to the CEO, resilient and tough. Kirsten Garbini, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deferent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from deference

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deferent was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near deferent

Cite this Entry

“Deferent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deferent. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

deferent

adjective
def·​er·​ent ˈdef-ə-rənt How to pronounce deferent (audio) -ˌer-ənt How to pronounce deferent (audio)
: of, relating to, or supplying the vas deferens
deferent arteries

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