differential
adj 1: relating to or showing a difference; "differential
treatment"
2: (mathematics) involving or containing one or more
derivatives; "differential equation"
n 1: the result of mathematical differentiation; the
instantaneous change of one quantity relative to
another; df(x)/dx [syn: {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 [syn:
{differential gear}]