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The Meaning of differential

  • (a.) Relating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate.
  • (a.) Of or pertaining to a differential, or to differentials.
  • (a.) Relating to differences of motion or leverage; producing effects by such differences; said of mechanism.
  • (n.) An increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity.
  • (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.
  • (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.
  • (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