— discriminantal /dis krim'euh nan"tl/ , adj.
/di skrim"euh neuhnt/ , n. Math.
a relatively simple expression that determines some of the properties, as the nature of the roots, of a given equation or function.
[ 1830-40; discriminant- (s. of discriminans ) separating, prp. of discriminare to divide up, separate, v. deriv. of discrimen, s. discrimin- separating line, distinction, equiv. to discri-, var. s. of discernere (see DISCERN) + -men n. suffix; see -ANT ]