differential

noun

A qualitative or quantitative difference between similar or comparable things.

The differential gear in an automobile, etc.

(calculus) A quantity representing an infinitesimal change in a variable, now only used as a heuristic aid except in nonstandard analysis but considered rigorous until the 20th century; a fluxion in Newtonian calculus, now usually written in Leibniz's notation as operatorname d!x.

(calculus, of a univariate differentiable function f(x) ) A function giving the change in the linear approximation of f at a point x over a small interval Δx or operatorname d!x, the function being called the differential of f and denoted operatorname d!f(x,Δx), operatorname d!f(x), or simply operatorname d!f.

Any of several generalizations of this concept to functions of several variables or to higher orders: the partial differential, total differential, Gateaux differential, etc.

(multivariable calculus) The Jacobian matrix of a function of several variables.

(differential geometry, of a smooth map ϕ between smooth manifolds) The pushforward or total derivative of ϕ: a linear map from the tangent space at a point x in ϕ's domain to the tangent space at ϕ(x) which is, in a technical sense, the best linear approximation of ϕ at x; denoted operatorname d!ϕₓ.

One of two coils of conducting wire so related to one another or to a magnet or armature common to both, that one coil produces polar action contrary to that of the other.

A form of conductor used for dividing and distributing the current to a series of electric lamps so as to maintain equal action in all.

(mathematics) Any of several generalizations of the concept(s) above: e.g. the Kähler differential in the setting of schemes, the quadratic differential in the theory of Riemann surfaces, etc.

adjective

Of or pertaining to a difference.

Dependent on, or making a difference; distinctive.

Having differences in speed or direction of motion.

(mathematics) Of or pertaining to differentiation or the differential calculus.

Roots

ferofer- · Latin · carry, bear

Synonyms for differential

differencingn differentian logarithmicadj synchromeshn gearboxn

Synonyms & related words for differential

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Words related to differential

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Synonyms for differential

Common synonyms for differential include differencing, differentia, logarithmic, synchromesh, gearbox — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does differential come from?

The word differential breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root fer-, from Latin fero (“carry, bear”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.