differential

Definitions

1. 1adjective

   Relating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate.

2. 2adjective

   Of or pertaining to a differential, or to differentials.

3. 3adjective

   Relating to differences of motion or leverage; producing effects by such differences; said of mechanism.

4. 4noun

   An increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity.

5. 5noun

   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.

6. 6noun

   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.

7. 7noun

   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.

8. 8noun

   a bevel gear that permits rotation of two shafts at different speeds; used on the rear axle of automobiles to allow wheels to rotate at different speeds on curves

9. 9noun

   a quality that differentiates between similar things

10. 10noun

    the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx

    Synonyms

    derivative
11. 11adjective

    relating to or showing a difference

    "differential treatment"

12. 12adjective

    involving or containing one or more derivatives

    "differential equation"