I. -f(ə)rənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English different, from Medieval Latin deferent-, deferens, from Latin, present participle of deferre to bring down, bring — more at defer
: an imaginary circle surrounding the earth in whose periphery, according to Ptolemy, either the celestial body or the center of its epicycle is supposed to move
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin deferent-, deferens, present participle of deferre
1. : serving to carry down or out
a deferent conduit
2. : of, relating to, or supplying the vas deferens
deferent arteries
3.
[back-formation from deference ]
: deferential I