/dif'euh ren"shee ayt'/ , v. , differentiated, differentiating .
v.t.
1. to form or mark differently from other such things; distinguish.
2. to change; alter.
3. to perceive the difference in or between.
4. to make different by modification, as a biological species.
5. Math. to obtain the differential or the derivative of.
v.i.
6. to become unlike or dissimilar; change in character.
7. to make a distinction.
8. Biol. (of cells or tissues) to change from relatively generalized to specialized kinds, during development.
[ 1810-20; differentiatus distinguished (ptp. of differentiare ), equiv. to L different ( ia ) DIFFERENCE + -atus -ATE 1 ]
Syn. 1. set off. See distinguish. 3. separate.