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Webster 1913 Edition

Differential

Difˊfer-en′tial

,
Noun.
1.
(Math.)
An increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity.
☞ According to the more modern writers upon the differential and integral calculus, if two or more quantities are dependent on each other, and subject to increments of value, their
differentials
need not be small, but are any quantities whose ratios to each other are the limits to which the ratios of the increments approximate, as these increments are reduced nearer and nearer to zero.
2.
A small difference in rates which competing railroad lines, in establishing a common tariff, allow one of their number to make, in order to get a fair share of the business. The lower rate is called a differential rate. Differentials are also sometimes granted to cities.
3.
(Elec.)
(a)
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.
(b)
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.
Knight.
Partial differential
(Math.)
,
the differential of a function of two or more variables, when only one of the variables receives an increment.
–
Total differential
(Math.)
,
the differential of a function of two or more variables, when each of the variables receives an increment. The
total differential
of the function is the sum of all the
partial differentials
.

Webster 1828 Edition

Differential

DIFFERENTIAL

,
Adj.
An epithet applied to an infinitely small quantity, so small as to be less than any assignable quantity. This is called a differential quantity. The differential method is applied to the doctrine of infinitesimals, or infinitely small quantities, called the arithmetic of fluxions. It consists in descending from whole quantities to their infinitely small differences, and comparing them. Hence it is called the differential calculus, or analysis of infinitesimals.

Definition 2024

differential

differential

English

Adjective

differential ‎(comparative more differential, superlative most differential)

  1. of, or relating to a difference
    differential characteristics
    • Motley
      For whom he produced differential favours.
  2. dependent on, or making a difference; distinctive
  3. having differences in speed or direction of motion
  4. (mathematics) of, or relating to differentiation, or the differential calculus

Translations

Noun

differential ‎(plural differentials)

  1. the differential gear in an automobile etc
  2. a qualitative or quantitative difference between similar or comparable things
  3. (mathematics) an infinitesimal change in a variable, or the result of differentiation
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Knight to this entry?)

Derived terms

Translations

Related terms

Swedish

Noun

differential c

  1. (mechanics) a differential gear
  2. (mathematics) an infinitesimal change
  3. (mathematics) the differential operator

Declension

Inflection of differential 
Singular Plural
Indefinite Definite Indefinite Definite
Nominative differential differentialen differentialer differentialerna
Genitive differentials differentialens differentialers differentialernas

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): [dɪfəˈɹənʃəɫ]

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