DIFFERENTIATION Definition & Meaning

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differentiation

[ dif-uh-ren-shee-ey-shuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act or process of differentiating, or the state of being differentiated.
Mathematics. the operation of finding the differential or derivative of a function.
Biology. the process by which cells or tissues change from relatively generalized to specialized kinds, during development.

differentiation

/ ˌ��ɪ��əˌ��ɛ��ʃɪˈ��ɪʃə�� /

noun

the act, process, or result of differentiating
maths an operation used in calculus in which the derivative of a function or variable is determined; the inverse of integration See integration
any process in which a mixture of materials separates out partially or completely into its constituent parts, as in the cooling and solidification of a magma into two or more different rock types or in the gradual separation of an originally homogeneous earth into crust, mantle, and core

differentiation

/ ��ĭ��′ə-��ĕ��′s��ŧ-��′��ə�� /

In calculus, the process of computing the derivative of a function.
Compare integration
The process by which cells or parts of an organism change during development to serve a specific function. The cells of an animal in its early embryonic phase, for example, are identical at first but develop by differentiation into specific tissues, such as bone, heart muscle, and skin. The factors determining the differentiation of any particular cell are not well understood, but in deuterostomes (vertebrates and other complex animals) they include the location of the cell relative to other cells.

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of differentiation¹

First recorded in 1800–10; differentiat(e) + -ion

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

"We are here to serve everyone without any differentiation," Mr Kayal said.

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I love texture and temperature differentiation, so it’s no surprise I’m a wings proponent.

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GLP-1’s functions inside our heads include regulating insulin signalling in the brain; promoting the differentiation of new neurons from precursor cells; and protecting the brain from injuries like stroke, Parkinson’s and some Alzheimer’s cases.

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There have been claims that the scope of the role is not clear, that patients are not always aware of the status of PAs, and that their differentiation with doctors is becoming blurred.

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Judaism, however, emphasizes differentiation: Observing dietary laws, keeping the Sabbath and other practices make us stand out, reminding us — and others — of our identity.

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