determinant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a determining or causal element or factor
    causal factor; determinative; determiner; determining factor.
    • education is an important determinant of one's outlook on life
  2. noun the site on the surface of an antigen molecule to which an antibody attaches itself
    epitope; antigenic determinant.
  3. noun a square matrix used to solve simultaneous equations
  4. adjective satellite having the power or quality of deciding
    deciding; determinative; determining.
    • the crucial experiment
    • cast the deciding vote
    • the determinative (or determinant) battle

WordNet

De*ter"mi*nant adjective
Etymology
L. determinans, p. pr. of determinare: cf. F. déterminant.
Definitions
  1. Serving to determine or limit; determinative.
De*ter"mi*nant noun
Definitions
  1. That which serves to determine; that which causes determination.
  2. (Math.) The sum of a series of products of several numbers, these products being formed according to certain specified laws; thus, the determinant of the nine numbers. a, b, c,a', b', c',a'', b'', c'', is a b' c'' -- a b'' c' + a' b'' c] -- a' b c'' + a'' b' c. The determinant is written by placing the numbers from which it is formed in a square between two vertical lines. The theory of determinants forms a very important branch of modern mathematics.
  3. (Logic) A mark or attribute, attached to the subject or predicate, narrowing the extent of both, but rendering them more definite and precise. Abp. Thomson.

Webster 1913