differential

1 of 2

adjective

dif·​fer·​en·​tial ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing

differential characteristics

b

: making a distinction between individuals or classes

differential tax rates

c

: based on or resulting from a differential

d

: functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate

differential melting

2

mathematics : being, relating to, or involving a differential (see differential entry 2 sense 1) or differentiation

3

physics

a

: relating to quantitative differences (as of motion or pressure)

b

: producing effects by reason of quantitative differences

differentially

ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shə-lē 

adverb

differential

2 of 2

noun

1

mathematics

a

: the product (see product sense 1) of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variable

b

: a sum of products in which each product consists of a partial derivative of a given function of several variables multiplied by the corresponding increment and which contains as many products as there are independent variables in the function

2

: a difference between comparable individuals or classes

a price differential

also : the amount of such a difference

3

a

: a drivetrain gear assembly connecting two collinear shafts or axles (such as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other

a locking rear differential

b

: a case covering such an assembly

Synonyms of differential

Adjective

• discriminatory
• unfair

Examples of differential in a Sentence

Adjective

did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The system uses a bottom tank to store 32 kilograms of FLiNaK salt, which is pushed into an upper primary tank via differential pressure to mimic radioactive core conditions. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

If necessary, tiebreakers include head-to-head matchups, point differential, total points and, if needed, a random drawing. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 15 July 2026

Noun

But after losing by 32 points, the Hawks don’t have the point differential tiebreaker on their side. — Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 17 July 2026

In their initial contract with the district, employees who exhausted their regular sick leave were given a five-month differential pay period where they were paid at the rate of a substitute. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from Medieval Latin differentiālis, from Latin differentia difference entry 1 + -ālis -al entry 1

Noun

noun derivative of differential entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing differential

• differential calculus
• differential diagnosis
• differential equation
• differential gear
• differential geometry
• exact differential
• partial differential equation

Rhymes for differential

• confidential
• evidential
• inessential
• inferential
• pestilential
• quintessential
• unessential
• equipotential
• experiential
• geopotential
• jurisprudential
• nonresidential

Kids Definition

differential

1 of 2 adjective

dif·​fer·​en·​tial ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl 

1

a

: of, relating to, or being a difference

b

: treating some individuals or classes differently from others : discriminatory

2

: acting or proceeding differently or at a different rate

differential diffusion of molecules through a membrane

differentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb

differential

2 of 2 noun

1

: an amount or degree of difference between comparable things

the price differential between a small and large box of popcorn

2

: an arrangement of gears in an automobile that allows one wheel to turn faster than another (as in going around a curve)

Medical Definition

differential

adjective

dif·​fer·​en·​tial ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl 

1

: of, relating to, or constituting a difference

differential birth rates in different economic levels

2

: making a distinction between individuals or classes

differential cell counts

differential staining

differentially

-ˈrench-(ə-)lē 

adverb