dif·fer·en·tial
ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 
1
a
: of, relating to, or constituting a difference : distinguishing
differential characteristics
b
: making a distinction between individuals or classes
differential tax rates
c
: based on or resulting from a differential
d
: functioning or proceeding differently or at a different rate
differential melting
2
mathematics
: being, relating to, or involving a differential (see differential entry 2 sense 1) or differentiation
3
physics
a
: relating to quantitative differences (as of motion or pressure)
b
: producing effects by reason of quantitative differences
1
mathematics
a
: the product (see product sense 1) of the derivative of a function of one variable by the increment of the independent variable
b
: a sum of products in which each product consists of a partial derivative of a given function of several variables multiplied by the corresponding increment and which contains as many products as there are independent variables in the function
2
: a difference between comparable individuals or classes
a price differential
also
: the amount of such a difference
3
a
: a drivetrain gear assembly connecting two collinear shafts or axles (such as those of the rear wheels of an automobile) and permitting one shaft to revolve faster than the other
a locking rear differential
b
: a case covering such an assembly
Examples of differential in a Sentence
Adjective
did away with differential pay scales for men and women doing the same work
Recent Examples on the Web
Shane Young, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, Newcastle United is having a strong year itself, sitting fifth on the league table with 44 points, tied with Manchester City but technically behind because of a lower place differential.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
His -20 point differential was the worst of any player.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for differential
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Adjective
That differential ranks in the 88th percentile among all NBA players this season.
—Shane Young, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Meanwhile, Newcastle United is having a strong year itself, sitting fifth on the league table with 44 points, tied with Manchester City but technically behind because of a lower place differential.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
Dodge also says the Daytona’s rear electric drive module features a mechanical limited slip differential that increases traction and performance in cold-weather conditions.
—Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
His -20 point differential was the worst of any player.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for differential
Cite this Entry
“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differential. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
differential
1 of 2 adjective
dif·fer·en·tial
ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
a
: of, relating to, or being a difference
b
: treating some individuals or classes differently from others : discriminatory
2
: acting or proceeding differently or at a different rate
differential diffusion of molecules through a membrane
differential
2 of 2 noun1
: an amount or degree of difference between comparable things
the price differential between a small and large box of popcorn
2
: an arrangement of gears in an automobile that allows one wheel to turn faster than another (as in going around a curve)
Medical Definition
differential
adjective
dif·fer·en·tial
ˌdif-ə-ˈren-chəl
1
: of, relating to, or constituting a difference
differential birth rates in different economic levels
2
: making a distinction between individuals or classes
differential cell counts
differential staining
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