Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Determinant
De-ter′mi-nant
,Adj.
[L.
determinans
, p. pr. of determinare
: cf. F. déterminant
.] Serving to determine or limit; determinative.
De-ter′mi-nant
,Noun.
1.
That which serves to determine; that which causes determination.
2.
(Math.)
The sum of a series of products of several numbers, these products being formed according to certain specified laws
; thus, the
is
determinant
of the nine numbersa, b, c,
a´, b´, c´,
a´´, b´´, c´´,
is
a b´ c´´ - a b´´ c´ + a´ b´´ c] - a´ b c´´ + a´´ b´ c
. The determinant is written by placing the numbers from which it is formed in a square between two vertical lines. The theory of determinants
forms a very important branch of modern mathematics. 3.
(Logic)
A mark or attribute, attached to the subject or predicate, narrowing the extent of both, but rendering them more definite and precise.
Abp. Thomson.