Search the Dictionary

ion of a variable to the increment of the variable itself, when these increments are made indefinitely small. -- Differential coupling, a form of slip coupling used in light machinery to regulate at pleasure the velocity of the connected shaft. -- Differential duties (Polit. Econ.), duties which are not imposed equal…

To deprive of distinct vision; to hinder from seeing clearly, either by dazzling or clouding the eyes; to darken the senses or understanding of. Her starry eyes were dimmed with streaming tears. C. Pitt.

Crystallization in two independent forms of the same chemical compound, as of calcium carbonate as calcite and aragonite.

A slight natural depression or indentation on the surface of some part of the body, esp. on the cheek or chin. Milton. The dimple of her chin. Prior.

The mark left by a blow; an indentation or impression made by violence; a dent. Dryden. Every dint a sword had beaten in it [the shield]. Tennyson.

t by Diophantus, the Greek writer on algebra. Diophantine analysis (Alg.), that branch of indeterminate analysis which has for its object the discovery of rational values that satisfy given equations containing squares or cubes; as, for example, to find values of x and y which make x2 + y2 an exact square.…

To deprive of legal right or qualification; to render legally incapable. An attainder of the ancestor corrupts the blood, and disables his children to inherit. Blackstone.

ge; unfavorable or prejudicial quality, condition, circumstance, or the like; that which hinders success, or causes loss or injury. I was brought here under the disadvantage of being unknown by sight to any of you. Burke. Abandoned by their great patron, the faction henceforward acted at disadvantage. Palfrey.…

udge disallowed the executor's charge. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God. 1 Pet. ii. 4. That the edicts of Cæsar we may at all times disallow, but the statutes of God for no reason we may reject. Milton.

To defeat of expectation or hope; to hinder from the attainment of that which was excepted, hoped, or desired; to balk; as, a man is disappointed of his hopes or expectations, or his hopes, desires, intentions, expectations, or plans are disappointed; a bad season disappoints the farmer of his crops; a defeat disappoin…

y, etc.; fulfillment, as by the payment of a debt, or the performance of a trust or duty. Indefatigable in the discharge of business. Motley. Nothing can absolve us from the discharge of those duties. L'Estrange.

Dishonorable; shameful; indecent; unchaste; lewd. [Obs.] Inglorious triumphs and dishonest scars. Pope. Speak no foul or dishonest words before them [the women]. Sir T. North.

To render unaccustomed or unfamiliar. We are hindered and disinured . . . towards the true knowledge. Milton.

Inclined; minded. When he was disposed to pass into Achaia. Acts xviii. 27.

o dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another. The Declaration of Independence.

To seize, as a pledge or indemnification; to take possession of as security for nonpayment of rent, the reparation of an injury done, etc.; to take by distress; as, to distrain goods for rent, or of an amercement.

Absent-minded; lost in thought; abstracted.

The steps or operations by which steam is supplied to and withdrawn from the cylinder at each stroke of the piston; viz., admission, suppression or cutting off, release or exhaust, and compression of exhaust steam prior to the next admission. Geographical distribution, the natural arrangements of animals and plants in…

The hindering or disquieting of a person in the lawful and peaceable enjoyment of his right; the interruption of a right; as, the disturbance of a franchise, of common, of ways, and the like. Blackstone.

eries the sum of whose terms does not approach a finite limit when the series is extended indefinitely; -- opposed to a converging series.