Definition of differential
- 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.