differential

differential
differential dif`fer*en"tial, a. [Cf. F. diff['e]rentiel.] 1. Relating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate. [1913 Webster]

For whom he produced differential favors. --Motley. [1913 Webster]

2. (Math.) Of or pertaining to a differential, or to differentials. [1913 Webster]

3. (Mech.) Relating to differences of motion or leverage; producing effects by such differences; said of mechanism. [1913 Webster]

{Differential calculus}. (Math.) See under {Calculus}.

{Differential coefficient}, 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.

{Differential coupling}, a form of slip coupling used in light machinery to regulate at pleasure the velocity of the connected shaft.

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

{Differential galvanometer} (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.

{Differential gearing}, a train of toothed wheels, usually an epicyclic train, so arranged as to constitute a {differential motion}.

{Differential motion}, 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.

{Differential pulley}. (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.

{Differential screw}, a compound screw by which a motion is produced equal to the difference of the motions of the component screws.

{Differential thermometer}, 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.

{Differential windlass}, or {Chinese windlass}, 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. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Differential — may refer to: Contents 1 Mathematics 2 Natural sciences and engineering 3 Social sciences 4 Medicine 5 …   Wikipedia

  • Differential — Dif fer*en tial, n. 1. (Math.) An increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity. [1913 Webster] Note: According to the more modern writers upon the differential and integral calculus, if two or more… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • differential — is a noun and adjective with several technical and general meanings. As an adjective it is used principally in combinations such as differential rates of interest, which are not just different rates of interest but rates based on quantifiable… …   Modern English usage

  • differential — [dif΄ər en′shəl] adj. [ML differentialis < L differentia: see DIFFERENCE] 1. of, showing, or depending on a difference or differences [differential rates] 2. constituting or making a specific difference; distinguishing [differential qualities] …   English World dictionary

  • Differential — Differential, eine unendlich kleine Aenderung einer stetig veränderlichen Größe x. Das Differential, das mit dx bezeichnet wird, besitzt dieselben Merkmale wie x, aber ein abstufbares Merkmal hat den Wert Null, z.B. Bogendifferential ist ein… …   Lexikon der gesamten Technik

  • differential — I noun attribute, characteristic, constituting a difference, contrasting quality, delicate distinction, difference of degree, differentiating trait, distinction, distinctive feature, distinguishing feature, feature, gradation, grade, graduation,… …   Law dictionary

  • Differential — (v. lat. Differentiale), 1) (Math.), s.u. Differentialrechnung; 2) Chemisches D., so v.w. Atom …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • Differentiāl — in Verbindung mit einem Hauptwort bei Maschinen oder Maschinenteilen, Apparaten etc. oft angewendet (z. B. Differentialflaschenzug, Differentialpumpe etc.), um im allgemeinen die Wirkung zweier, in entgegengesetztem Sinne tätigen Einflüsse zu …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

  • Differential... — Differentiāl... (neulat.) bedeutet bei Bezeichnungen maschineller Vorrichtungen, daß eine Hauptbewegung durch eine entgegengesetzte Bewegung geschwächt wird, so daß nur die Differenz beider Bewegungen zum Ausdruck kommt, z.B. Differentialgetriebe …   Kleines Konversations-Lexikon

  • differential... — differential...,   Schreibvariante für differenzial …   Universal-Lexikon

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