DIFFERENTIAL


Meaning of DIFFERENTIAL in English

adj. & n.

--adj.

1. a of, exhibiting, or depending on a difference. b varying according to circumstances.

2 Math. relating to infinitesimal differences.

3 constituting a specific difference; distinctive; relating to specific differences (differential diagnosis).

4 Physics & Mech. concerning the difference of two or more motions, pressures, etc.

--n.

1. a difference between individuals or examples of the same kind.

2 Brit. a difference in wage or salary between industries or categories of employees in the same industry.

3 a difference between rates of interest etc.

4 Math. a an infinitesimal difference between successive values of a variable. b a function expressing this as a rate of change with respect to another variable.

5 (in full differential gear) a gear allowing a vehicle's driven wheels to revolve at different speeds in cornering.

Phrases and idioms:

differential calculus Math. a method of calculating rates of change, maximum or minimum values, etc. (cf. INTEGRAL). differential coefficient Math. DERIVATIVE. differential equation Math. an equation involving differentials among its quantities.

Derivatives:

differentially adv.

Etymology: med. & mod.L differentialis (as DIFFERENCE)

Oxford English vocab.      Оксфордский английский словарь.