discriminant

noun

dis·​crim·​i·​nant di-ˈskri-mə-nənt 

: a mathematical expression providing a criterion for the behavior of another more complicated expression, relation, or set of relations

Examples of discriminant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Polynomials were assigned to groups based on the discriminant, a number associated with a polynomial’s roots. —Quanta Magazine, 21 Apr. 2022

Just as in the debate on inclusion, the difference of gender or ethnicity is confused with the real discriminant, the difference in social class (as taught by Elliott Major, Professor of Social Mobility at Exeter University). —Anna Zanardi Cappon, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2021

If multiple antenna inputs are available, a very powerful discriminant is to see if all of the signals come from the same direction. —Jim Salter, Ars Technica, 22 June 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1948, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing discriminant

• discriminant function

Kids Definition

discriminant

noun

dis·​crim·​i·​nant dis-ˈkrim-(ə-)nənt 

: the expression b² − 4ac which is used to find out how many solutions exist for a quadratic equation of the general form ax² + bx + c = 0 and which indicates that two real solutions exist when it is positive, one solution exists when it is equal to zero, and no solutions exist when it is less than zero