differentiation

noun

dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion ˌdi-fə-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce differentiation (audio)
Synonyms of differentiationnext
1
: the act or process of differentiating
2
: development from the one to the many, the simple to the complex, or the homogeneous to the heterogeneous
differentiation of Latin into vernaculars
3
biology
a
: modification of body parts for performance of particular functions
b
: the sum of the processes whereby apparently indifferent (see indifferent sense 7) or unspecialized cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function
4
geology : the processes by which various rock types are produced from a common magma

Examples of differentiation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Each test has two windows, shaped for easy differentiation, with one functioning as a control window and the other as a results window displaying the LH level. —Sarah Bradley, Parents, 30 Mar. 2024 Topical relevance, differentiation of insights, and source credibility are among the factors that come into play. —Rachel Kule, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024 That differentiation will play out geographically, too: Kelly and MacDonald-Korth pointed to the South, Sunbelt and Midwest as potential growth areas. —Isabelle Lee, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024 So in a race where the candidates are ideologically similar, the pressure is on to find new areas of differentiation ― as well as to sharpen their attacks against one another. —Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 27 Mar. 2024 Instilling the right values and exhibiting the right behaviors will increasingly become a source of differentiation and competitive advantage. —François Candelon, Fortune, 8 Mar. 2024 Material discrimination was tested by asking the participant to identify the material grasped by the hand, whether copper, glass, or plastic, using only temperature differentiation as a guide. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 The visual differentiation designers created by varying the proportions of two vehicles within an inch of each other in most dimensions is impressive. —Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 22 Feb. 2024 Brands acknowledge that quality content and creativity are catalysts for engagement and differentiation. —King Holder, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'differentiation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin differentiātiōn-, differentiātiō, from Medieval Latin differentiāre "to distinguish, differentiate" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1776, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of differentiation was in 1776

Phrases Containing differentiation

Dictionary Entries Near differentiation

differentiate

differentiation

differentiator

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Differentiation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differentiation. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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Kids Definition

differentiation

noun
dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion ˌdif-ə-ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce differentiation (audio)
1
: the act or process of differentiating
2
: the processes by which cells and tissues develop their specialized adult form and function
also : the result of these processes

Medical Definition

differentiation

noun
dif·​fer·​en·​ti·​a·​tion -ˌren-chē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce differentiation (audio)
1
a
: the act of describing a thing by giving its differentia
b
: the enhancement of microscopically visible differences between tissue or cell parts by partial selective decolorization or removal of excess stain (as in regressive staining)
c
: the development of a discriminating conditioned response with a positive response to one stimulus and absence of the response on the application of similar but discriminably different stimuli
2
a
: modification of different parts of the body for performance of particular functions
also : specialization of parts or organs in the course of evolution
b
: the sum of the developmental processes whereby apparently unspecialized cells, tissues, and structures attain their adult form and function compare determination sense 2
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