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lating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate. For whom he produced differential favors. Motley.

In the way of differentiation.

An instrument consisting in part of a differential thermometer. It is used for measuring changes of temperature produced by different conditions of the sky, as when clear or clouded.

endence which bind the variable quantities together are themselves subject to change. -- Differential calculus, a method of investigating mathematical questions by using the ratio of certain indefinitely small quantities called differentials. The problems are primarily of this form: to find how the change in some vari…

screw (Mech.), a screw having on the same axis two or more screws with different pitch (a differential screw), or running in different directions (a right and left screw). -- Compound time (Mus.), that in which two or more simple measures are combined in one; as, 6-8 time is the joining of two measures of 3-8 time. -…

, as the number 10, or any numeral. -- Arbitrary constant, an undetermined constant in a differential equation having the same value during all changes in the values of the variables.

he love of epigram. Compton Reade. My diagnosis of his character proved correct. J. Payn. Differential diagnosis (Med.), the determination of the distinguishing characteristics as between two similar diseases or conditions.

y a specific difference; to effect a difference in, as regards classification; to develop differential characteristics in; to specialize; to desynonymize. The word then was differentiated into the two forms then and than. Earle. Two or more of the forms assumed by the same original word become differentiated in signifi…

The eliminant of the n partial differentials of any homogenous function of n variables. See Eliminant.

ndefinitely small distance. In the calculus, element is sometimes used as synonymous with differential.

c equation; a transcendental equation; an exponential equation; a logarithmic equation; a differential equation, etc.

ly small and constant period of time; the rate of variation of a fluent; an incerement; a differential. (b) pl.

ing the intensity of an electric current, usually by the deflection of a magnetic needle. Differential galvanometer. See under Differental, a. -- Sine galvanometer, Cosine galvanometer, Tangent galvanometer (Elec.), a galvanometer in which the sine, cosine, or tangent respectively, of the angle through which the needl…

cover. Hunter's room, the lunation after the harvest moon. -- Hunter's screw (Mech.), a differential screw, so named from the inventor. See under Differential.

iv. 8. Infinitesimal increment (Math.), an infinitesimally small variation considered in Differential Calculus. See Calculus. -- Method of increments (Math.), a calculus founded on the properties of the successive values of variable quantities and their differences or increments. It differs from the method of fluxion…

An expression which, being differentiated, will produce a given differential. See differential Differential, and Integration. Cf. Fluent. Elliptic integral, one of an important class of integrals, occurring in the higher mathematics; -- so called because one of the integrals expresses the length of an arc of an ellipse…

The operation of finding the primitive function which has a given function for its differential coefficient. See Integral.

row; of the same breadth throughout, except at the extremities; as, a linear leaf. Linear differential (Math.), an equation which is of the first degree, when the expression which is equated to zero is regarded as a function of the dependent variable and its differential coefficients. -- Linear equation (Math.), an eq…

A characteristic or essential attribute; a differential.

Ready to obey; reverent; differential; also, servilely submissive.