I. ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl adjective
Date: 1647
1.
a. : of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing
b. : making a distinction between individuals or classes
c. : based on or resulting from a differential
d. : functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate
2. : being, relating to, or involving a differential or differentiation
3.
a. : relating to quantitative differences
b. : producing effects by reason of quantitative differences
• dif·fer·en·tial·ly -ˈren(t)-shə-lē adverb
II. noun
Date: 1704
1.
a. : the product 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 (as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other
b. : a case covering such an assembly