differentiation

noun

dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion ˌdi-fə-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce differentiation (audio)
1
: the act or process of differentiating
2
: development from the one to the many, the simple to the complex, or the homogeneous to the heterogeneous
differentiation of Latin into vernaculars
3
biology
a
: modification of body parts for performance of particular functions
b
: the sum of the processes whereby apparently indifferent (see indifferent sense 7) or unspecialized cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function
4
geology : the processes by which various rock types are produced from a common magma

Examples of differentiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This lag can be attributed to two key factors: fees and lack of differentiation. Julius Juenemann, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 The two men also won the 20th-place prize for a photo of mouse cancer cell differentiation. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024 This is one point of differentiation with the continent’s existing Venice Simplon-Orient-Express from Belmond, which connects many different points throughout Europe. Jd Shadel, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2024 This model uses a box with four quadrants and two axes—the mission-critical axis and the market differentiation axis—to illustrate where technological innovation and investment are best employed. Bj Vander Linden, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for differentiation 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin differentiātiōn-, differentiātiō, from Medieval Latin differentiāre "to distinguish, differentiate" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of differentiation was in 1776

Dictionary Entries Near differentiation

Cite this Entry

“Differentiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differentiation. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

differentiation

noun
dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion ˌdif-ə-ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce differentiation (audio)
1
: the act or process of differentiating
2
: the processes by which cells and tissues develop their specialized adult form and function
also : the result of these processes

Medical Definition

differentiation

noun
dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion -ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce differentiation (audio)
1
a
: the act of describing a thing by giving its differentia
b
: the enhancement of microscopically visible differences between tissue or cell parts by partial selective decolorization or removal of excess stain (as in regressive staining)
c
: the development of a discriminating conditioned response with a positive response to one stimulus and absence of the response on the application of similar but discriminably different stimuli
2
a
: modification of different parts of the body for performance of particular functions
also : specialization of parts or organs in the course of evolution
b
: the sum of the developmental processes whereby apparently unspecialized cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function compare determination sense 2
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