determinant

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtər-mə-nənt 

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

di-ˌtər-mə-ˈnan-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of determinant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The incident raises questions about a rise in teen homicides and the social determinants of health that impact youth violence. —Rachel Hale, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025

According to Gallup, needs from the workplace are shifting, with work-life balance, compensation and remote flexibility becoming increasingly important determinants of what employees want from work. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025

It is widely recognized as a leading social determinant of health. —Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 8 Dec. 2024

The potential for these laws to yield meaningful change will be shaped by their ability to address underlying social determinants and foster safer communities. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing determinant

• antigenic determinant

Kids Definition

determinant

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt 

: something that determines or influences

Medical Definition

determinant

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt 

1

a

: a hypothetical aggregate of biophores conceived as comparable to the gene of more recent biological theory

b

: gene

2

: epitope