Differential
[,dɪfə'renʃ(ə)l] or ['dɪfə'rɛnʃəl]
Definition
(noun.) a quality that differentiates between similar things.
(adj.) relating to or showing a difference; 'differential treatment' .
(adj.) involving or containing one or more derivatives; 'differential equation' .
Inputed by Hannibal--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Relating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate.
(a.) Of or pertaining to a differential, or to differentials.
(a.) Relating to differences of motion or leverage; producing effects by such differences; said of mechanism.
(n.) An increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity.
(n.) 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.
(n.) 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.
(n.) 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.
Editor: Martin
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. Discriminating.
Inputed by Elizabeth
Examples
- In 1823 Asa Arnold of Rhode Island invented a differential motion by which the velocity of the bobbin is kept uniform. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
- A relay thus wound is known as a differential relay--more generally called a neutral relay. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- All of the parts of the bicycle have come in for a share of attention at the hands of inventors, differential speed gears and brakes having received especial attention. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- First, when the wheels of the car revolve with the grooved wheels, this motion is transmitted to the differential, through the drive shaft to the motor, limbering up all these parts. Various. The Wonder Book of Knowledge.
- Then the car was resting on the differential again, and the wheels spun freely in the holes they had dug. Ernest Hemingway. A Farewell To Arms.
- Change the oil and check the differential. Ernest Hemingway. A Farewell To Arms.
- They do not go ahead when the differential is smashed, the driver told him and bent down again. Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom The Bell Tolls.
- A slight elaboration of Fig. 4 will further illustrate the principle of the differential duplex. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- Thus far we have referred to two systems, one the neutral or differential duplex, and the other the combination of the neutral and polar relays, making a diplex system. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
Typed by Jody