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1. A discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes
   "it is necessary to make a differentiation between love and infatuation";
   - distinction
    
2. The mathematical process of obtaining the derivative of a function
    
3. (biology) the structural adaptation of some body part for a particular function
   "cell differentiation in the developing embryo";
   - specialization, specialisation [Brit]

Derived forms: differentiations

Type of: adaptation, adaption, adjustment, discrimination, mathematical operation, mathematical process, operation, secernment

Encyclopedia: Differentiation