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
Kate Bahn, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Some people rely on points and miles, while others are sticklers about booking in advance or researching differential deals on sites like Groupon.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025
John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
The investment bank’s economists note that Brazil, Indonesia, India, Thailand and Vietnam have the highest proportion of products with a greater than 5% tariff differential compared to the rate at which the US taxes their nations’ goods.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for differential
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Adjective
Research from the Southern Economic Journal has found that young women who are displaced when there are layoffs take longer to find a new job, which is likely due to the differential impact of family planning on women’s careers compared to men’s during their 20s.
—Kate Bahn, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Some people rely on points and miles, while others are sticklers about booking in advance or researching differential deals on sites like Groupon.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
Manchester United even boasts a negative goal differential on the campaign, scoring 37 goals this season but giving up 41.
—John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Apr. 2025
The investment bank’s economists note that Brazil, Indonesia, India, Thailand and Vietnam have the highest proportion of products with a greater than 5% tariff differential compared to the rate at which the US taxes their nations’ goods.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 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 10 Apr. 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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