differential : Idioms & Phrases

• noun an analog computer designed to solve differential equations
  

WordNet

• noun counting the number of specific types of white blood cells found in 1 cubic millimeter of blood; may be included as part of a complete blood count
  

WordNet

• noun the part of calculus that deals with the variation of a function with respect to changes in the independent variable (or variables) by means of the concepts of derivative and differential
  method of fluxions.
  

WordNet

• . (Math.) See under Calculus.

Webster 1913

• noun the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx
  derivative; derived function; differential; first derivative.
  

WordNet

• the limit of the ratio of the increment of a function of a variable to the increment of the variable itself, when these increments are made indefinitely small.

Webster 1913

• noun the increase or decrease in costs as a result of one more or one less unit of output
  incremental cost; marginal cost.
  

WordNet

• a form of slip coupling used in light machinery to regulate at pleasure the velocity of the connected shaft.

Webster 1913

• noun a systematic method of diagnosing a disorder (e.g., headache) that lacks unique symptoms or signs
  

WordNet

• (Polit. Econ.), duties which are not imposed equally upon the same products imported from different countries.

Webster 1913

• noun an equation containing differentials of a function
  

WordNet

• (Elec.), a galvanometer having two coils or circuits, usually equal, through which currents passing in opposite directions are measured by the difference of their effect upon the needle.

Webster 1913

• noun 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
  differential.
  

WordNet

• a train of toothed wheels, usually an epicyclic train, so arranged as to constitute a differential motion.

Webster 1913

• noun the smallest change in stimulation that a person can detect
  difference threshold; difference limen; differential limen.
  

WordNet

• a mechanism in which a simple differential combination produces such a change of motion or force as would, with ordinary compound arrangements, require a considerable train of parts. It is used for overcoming great resistance or producing very slow or very rapid motion.

Webster 1913

• noun the branch of psychology that studies measurable differences between individuals
  

WordNet

• . (Mach.) (a) A portable hoisting apparatus, the same in principle as the differential windlass. (b) A hoisting pulley to which power is applied through a differential gearing.

Webster 1913

• a compound screw by which a motion is produced equal to the difference of the motions of the component screws.

Webster 1913

• a thermometer usually with a U-shaped tube terminating in two air bulbs, and containing a colored liquid, used for indicating the difference between the temperatures to which the two bulbs are exposed, by the change of position of the colored fluid, in consequence of the different expansions of the air in the bulbs. A graduated scale is attached to one leg of the tube.

Webster 1913

• noun the smallest change in stimulation that a person can detect
  difference threshold; difference limen; differential limen.
  

WordNet

• a windlass whose barrel has two parts of different diameters. The hoisting rope winds upon one part as it unwinds from the other, and a pulley sustaining the weight to be lifted hangs in the bight of the rope. It is an ancient example of a differential motion.

Webster 1913

• (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.

Webster 1913

• (Math.), the greatest index of differentiation in the equation.

Webster 1913

• (Math.), the differential of a function of two or more variables, when only one of the variables receives an increment.

Webster 1913

• noun a differential equation involving a functions of more than one variable
  

WordNet

• etc. (of a function of two or more variables), the differentials, differential coefficients, differentiation etc., of the function, upon the hypothesis that some of the variables are for the time constant.

Webster 1913

• (Math.), the differential of a function of two or more variables, when each of the variables receives an increment. The total differential of the function is the sum of all the partial differentials.

Webster 1913