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1. Relating to or showing a difference
   "differential treatment"
    
2. (mathematics) involving or containing one or more derivatives
   "differential equation"

1. The result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx
   - derived function, derivative, differential coefficient, first derivative
    
2. A quality that differentiates between similar things
    
3. A bevel gear that permits rotation of two shafts at different speeds; used on the rear axle of automobiles to allow wheels to rotate at different speeds on curves
   - differential gear

Derived forms: differentials

Type of: bevel gear, calculation, computation, difference, figuring, pinion and crown wheel, pinion and ring gear, reckoning

Encyclopedia: Differential