self-differentiation

noun

self-dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion ˌself-ˌdi-fə-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈā-shən 

plural self-differentiations

: an act or instance of differentiating the self : a setting apart of oneself as distinct from others (such as one's family or classmates)

In this new biography, he sets out to persuade us that Cézanne embarked as a young man on a project of self-definition and self-differentiation.

—Frances Spalding

self-differentiate

ˌself-ˌdi-fə-ˈren(t)-shē-ˌāt 

intransitive verb

self-differentiated; self-differentiating; self-differentiates

the ability to self-differentiate

self-differentiating experiences

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

self-differentiation

noun

self-dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion -ˌdif-ə-ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən 

: differentiation of a structure or tissue due to factors existent in itself and essentially independent of other parts of the developing organism