differential

• Qui concerne une différence ou la met en évidence ; souvent utilisé en mathématiques, en technique et en mécanique pour décrire une différence de vitesses, de quantités ou de degrés.

Relating to or exhibiting a difference; often used in mathematics, engineering, and mechanics to describe a difference in rates, amounts, or degrees.

1. Relating to differenceB2formal

   Relating to or showing a difference; distinguishing.

   différentiel (relatif à une différence)

   • The study examined differential rates of growth between the two groups.
   • Differential treatment of employees can lead to legal issues.
   • There is a differential impact of the policy on different regions.

   Synonymescontrastivediscriminatingdiscriminative

   Antonymesidenticalsimilarundifferentiateduniform

2. Relating to a mathematical derivativeC1formaltechnical

   Relating to or involving the derivative of a function in calculus.

   différentiel (relatif à la dérivée)

   • The engineer solved a differential equation to model the system.
   • Differential calculus is a fundamental branch of mathematics.
   • The professor explained the concept of a differential operator.

3. Relating to a mechanical differentialC1formaltechnical

   Relating to a gear system that allows two axles to rotate at different speeds.

   Différentiel (mécanique)

   • The car's differential allows the wheels to turn at different speeds when cornering.
   • A limited-slip differential improves traction on slippery roads.
   • The mechanic inspected the differential for any signs of wear.

• Nom désignant une différence, un écart ou une variation entre deux ou plusieurs choses, souvent utilisé en mathématiques, en mécanique ou dans des contextes techniques.

A noun referring to a difference, distinction, or variation between two or more things, often used in mathematics, mechanics, or technical contexts.

1. Difference in amountB2formal

   A difference or variation between two or more things, especially in terms of quantity, value, or degree.

   différence

   • There is a significant differential in pay between the two positions.
   • The price differential between the two models is quite large.
   • We need to analyze the differential in performance across teams.

   Synonymesdifferencediscrepancydisparitydistinctiondivergencegapspreadvariance

2. Mathematics: derivativeC1formalscientific

   In calculus, an infinitesimal difference or the derivative of a function.

   différentielle (mathématiques)

   • The differential of the function is used to find the slope.
   • Students learned how to compute a differential in class.
   • The equation involves a second-order differential.

   Synonymesderivativedifferential coefficientfluxioninfinitesimal

3. Mechanical componentB2formaltechnical

   A gear system in a vehicle that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially when turning.

   Différentiel (mécanique)

   • The mechanic replaced the differential in the car.
   • A faulty differential can cause handling problems.
   • The differential ensures smooth turning of the vehicle.

   Synonymesdifferential gear