2. To express the specific difference of; to describe the properties of (a thing) whereby it is differenced
from another of the same class; to discriminate. Earle.
3. (Math.) To obtain the differential, or differential coefficient, of; as, to differentiate an algebraic expression,
or an equation.
Differentiate
(Dif`fer*en"ti*ate), v. i. (Biol.) To acquire a distinct and separate character. Huxley.
Differentiation
(Dif`fer*en`ti*a"tion) n.
1. The act of differentiating.
Further investigation of the Sanskrit may lead to differentiation of the meaning of such of these roots as
are real roots.
J. Peile. 2. (Logic) The act of distinguishing or describing a thing, by giving its different, or specific difference; exact
definition or determination.
3. (Biol.) The gradual formation or production of organs or parts by a process of evolution or development,
as when the seed develops the root and the stem, the initial stem develops the leaf, branches, and flower
buds; or in animal life, when the germ evolves the digestive and other organs and members, or when the
animals as they advance in organization acquire special organs for specific purposes.
4. (Metaph.) The supposed act or tendency in being of every kind, whether organic or inorganic, to
assume or produce a more complex structure or functions.
Differentiator
(Dif`fer*en"ti*a`tor) n. One who, or that which, differentiates.
Differently
(Dif"fer*ent*ly) adv. In a different manner; variously.
Differingly
(Dif"fer*ing*ly), adv. In a differing or different manner. Boyle.
Difficile
(Dif"fi*cile) a. [L. difficilis: cf. F. difficile. See Difficult.] Difficult; hard to manage; stubborn.
[Obs.] — Dif"fi*cile*ness, n. [Obs.] Bacon.
Difficilitate
(Dif`fi*cil"i*tate) v. t. To make difficult. [Obs.] W. Montagu.
Difficult
(Dif"fi*cult) a. [From Difficulty.]
1. Hard to do or to make; beset with difficulty; attended with labor, trouble, or pains; not easy; arduous.
Difficult implies the notion that considerable mental effort or skill is required, or that obstacles are to
be overcome which call for sagacity and skill in the agent; as, a difficult task; hard work is not always
difficult work; a difficult operation in surgery; a difficult passage in an author.
There is not the strength or courage left me to venture into the wide, strange, and difficult world, alone.
Hawthorne. 2. Hard to manage or to please; not easily wrought upon; austere; stubborn; as, a difficult person.
Syn. — Arduous; painful; crabbed; perplexed; laborious; unaccommodating; troublesome. See Arduous.
Difficult
(Dif"fi*cult), v. t. To render difficult; to impede; to perplex. [R.] Sir W. Temple.
