determinant

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtər-mə-nənt How to pronounce determinant (audio)
1
: an element that identifies or determines the nature of something or that fixes or conditions an outcome
education level as a determinant of income
2
mathematics : a square array of numbers bordered on the left and right by a vertical line and having a value equal to the algebraic sum of all possible products where the number of factors in each product is the same as the number of rows or columns, each factor in a given product is taken from a different row and column, and the sign of a product is positive or negative depending upon whether the number of permutations necessary to place the indices representing each factor's position in its row or column in the order of the natural numbers is odd or even
3
genetics : gene
the determinant of the sickle-cell trait
4
biology : epitope
determinantal adjective

Examples of determinant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kraft emphasizes the potential of integrating genomics, microbiome analysis, metabolomics, and social determinants of health into comprehensive health profiles. John Werner, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 Racial and ethnic disparities play a role, too, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, and underscore the need to address social determinants of health such as poverty, education and housing to remove barriers to health. Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 12 Feb. 2025 In 2020 when Covid was still a major determinant regarding indoor get-togethers, our family regularly met outside on our deck. Sheriff Ahmed, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025 There may be some exceptions in activities like extreme long-distance swimming, where the determinants of performance are more complex. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for determinant

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of determinant was in 1686

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Determinant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determinant. Accessed 6 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

determinant

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt How to pronounce determinant (audio)
: something that determines or influences

Medical Definition

determinant

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt How to pronounce determinant (audio)
1
a
: a hypothetical aggregate of biophores conceived as comparable to the gene of more recent biological theory
b
: gene
2
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