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Webster 1913 Edition

Differentiation

Difˊfer-enˊti-a′tion

,
Noun.
1.
The act of differentiating.
Further investigation of the Sanskrit may lead to
differentiation
of the meaning of such of these roots as are real roots.
J. Peile.
2.
(Logic)
The act of distinguishing or describing a thing, by giving its different, or specific difference; exact definition or determination.
3.
(Biol.)
The gradual formation or production of organs or parts by a process of evolution or development, as when the seed develops the root and the stem, the initial stem develops the leaf, branches, and flower buds; or in animal life, when the germ evolves the digestive and other organs and members, or when the animals as they advance in organization acquire special organs for specific purposes.
4.
(Metaph.)
The supposed act or tendency in being of every kind, whether organic or inorganic, to assume or produce a more complex structure or functions.

Definition 2024

Differentiation

Differentiation

German

Noun

Differentiation f

  1. (mathematics) differentiation

Alternative forms

  • Differenziation

differentiation

differentiation

English

Noun

differentiation ‎(uncountable)

  1. The act of differentiating.
  2. The act of distinguishing or describing a thing, by giving its different, or specific difference; exact definition or determination.
  3. The gradual formation or production of organs or parts by a process of evolution or development, as when the seed develops the root and the stem, the initial stem develops the leaf, branches, and flower buds; or in animal life, when the germ evolves the digestive and other organs and members, or when the animals as they advance in organization acquire special organs for specific purposes.
  4. (geology) The process of separation of cooling magma into various rock types.
  5. (calculus) The process of determining the derived function of a function.

Derived terms

  • cellular differentiation
  • evolutionary differentiation
  • planetary differentiation

Related terms

Translations

See also

Etymology

From differentiate +‎ -tion, from different +‎ -iate, from differ +‎ -ent, from Middle English differen, from Old French differer, from Latin differō ‎(“carry apart, put off, defer; differ”), from dis- ‎(“apart”) + ferō ‎(“carry, bear”) from ancient greek διαφέρω

Pronunciation

  • Rhymes: -eɪʃən

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