ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably from (assumed) New Latin differentiation-, differentiatio, from (assumed) New Latin differentiatus + Latin -ion-, -io -ion
1. : the act or process or result of differentiating: as
a. : the process or result of forming the derivative of a function
b. : the act of distinguishing or describing a thing by giving its differentia or specific difference
c. : the enhancement of microscopically visible differences between tissue or cell parts by partial selective decolorization or removal of excess stain (as in regressive staining)
d. : the development of a discriminating conditioned response with a positive response to one stimulus and absence of the response on the application of similar but discriminably different stimuli
2. : development from the one to the many, the simple to the complex, or from the homogeneous to the heterogeneous
differentiation of Latin into vernaculars
3.
a. : modification of different parts of the body for performance of particular functions ; also : specialization of parts or organs in the course of evolution
b. : raciation
c. : the sum of the processes whereby apparently indifferent cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function — compare determination
4. : the total of processes by which various rock types are produced from a common magma ; also : a result of such processes
5. : the process whereby a social organization or culture or any of its parts becomes more complex through the growth of distinct societal functions, the development of privileged roles appropriate to individual capacity, the separation of social groups into class strata, and the establishment of political and religious structures ; also : the result of such process