ˌdifəˈrench(ē)ə noun
( plural differenti·ae -chēˌē)
Etymology: Latin, difference — more at difference
1. : the characteristic or quality that distinguishes one species from others of the same genus ; broadly : a distinguishing characteristic
the chief differentiae between man and the brute creation — A.T.Quiller-Couch
2. : a trope in medieval music