Differential - Definition
differential
adj 1: relating to or showing a difference; "differential
treatment"
2: involving or containing one or more derivatives;
"differential equation"
n 1: the result of mathematical differentiation; the
instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another;
df(x)/dx [syn: derived function, derivative,
differential coefficient, differential, first
derivative]
2: a quality that differentiates between similar things
3: a bevel gear that permits rotation of two shafts at different
speeds; used on the rear axle of automobiles to allow wheels
to rotate at different speeds on curves [syn: differential
gear, differential]