common difference

noun

: the difference between two consecutive terms of an arithmetic progression

Examples of common difference in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But despite the various iterations, the most common difference between recipes is the ratio of traditional ingredients, with varying amounts of oats, coconut, sugar, and golden syrup. Lara Lee, Bon Appétit, 19 Apr. 2021 The story of Hanson’s rise and fall in Pittsburgh contains a common difference of opinion. Henry Schulman, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 May 2018 Location of an outbreak serves as the most common difference between infection with HSV-1 and infection with HSV-2, but beyond that, many people are unclear on what sets them apart. Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, 17 Mar. 2018 The most common difference was in pitch and in the opening notes and buzzy parts of their songs. Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'common difference.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of common difference was circa 1771

Dictionary Entries Near common difference

Cite this Entry

“Common difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/common%20difference. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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