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
Synonyms
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
Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
His teams have broken EPL records for consecutive titles won, most points in a season, most wins in a season, most goals in a season, largest title-winning margin and best goal differential, among other things.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Dennis Mersereau, WIRED, 11 Jan. 2025
All eight of the Colts’ wins were by one possession, and they were outscored by 50 points this season, which was was 12th-worst point differential in the NFL.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for differential 
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Adjective
For the season, their net rating (-2.9) and point differential (-2.6) are both alarming, as is their record against above-.500 teams (and, more specifically, their 2-7 record against teams with better records than them).
—Jovan Buha, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
His teams have broken EPL records for consecutive titles won, most points in a season, most wins in a season, most goals in a season, largest title-winning margin and best goal differential, among other things.
—Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
Noun
Meteorologists often use the air pressure differential between Las Vegas and Los Angeles to predict these winds.
—Dennis Mersereau, WIRED, 11 Jan. 2025
All eight of the Colts’ wins were by one possession, and they were outscored by 50 points this season, which was was 12th-worst point differential in the NFL.
—James Boyd, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for differential
Dictionary Entries Near differential
Cite this Entry
“Differential.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differential. Accessed 26 Jan. 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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