/di terr"meuh neuhnt/ , n.
1. a determining agent or factor.
2. Math. an algebraic expression of the sum of products of elements, each with an appropriate algebraic sign, usually written in a square array and used in the solution of systems of linear equations.
3. Also called antigenic determinant, epitope . Immunol. any site on an antigen molecule at which an antibody can bind, the chemical structure of the site determining the specific combining antibody.
4. Genetics Archaic. a gene.
[ 1600-10; determinant- (s. of determinans ), prp. of determinare. See DETERMINE, -ANT ]