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The Meaning of differential
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(a.) Relating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate.
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(a.) Of or pertaining to a differential, or to differentials.
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(a.) Relating to differences of motion or leverage; producing effects by such differences; said of mechanism.
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(n.) An increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity.
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(n.) A small difference in rates which competing railroad lines, in establishing a common tariff, allow one of their number to make, in order to get a fair share of the business. The lower rate is called a differential rate. Differentials are also sometimes granted to cities.
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(n.) One of two coils of conducting wire so related to one another or to a magnet or armature common to both, that one coil produces polar action contrary to that of the other.
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(n.) A form of conductor used for dividing and distributing the current to a series of electric lamps so as to maintain equal action in all.
Synonyms
differential gear
,
derivative
,
first derivative
,
derivative instrument
,
differential coefficient
,
derived function
Rhymes
confidential
,
consequential
,
credential
,
deferential
,
essential
,
existential
,
experiential
,
exponential
,
henschel
,
hentschel
,
inconsequential
,
inferential
,
influential
,
jurisprudential
,
nonessential
,
nonresidential
,
potential
,
preferential
,
presidential
,
providential
,
prudential
,
quintessential
,
residential
,
reverential
,
sequential
,
tangential
,
torrential
,
vice-presidential