Difference - Diffuseness

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3. That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute.
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The marks and differences of sovereignty. Davies.
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4. Choice; preference. [Obs.]
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That now he chooseth with vile difference
To be a beast, and lack intelligence. Spenser.
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5. (Her.) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See , and Marks of cadency, under .
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6. (Logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
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7. (Math.) The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other.
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Coloq. Ascensional difference . See under .

Syn. -- Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation; diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance; contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate; quarrel; wrangle; strife.
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Difference (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Differenced (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Differencing.] To cause to differ; to make different; to mark as different; to distinguish.
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Thou mayest difference gods from men. Chapman.
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Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are not differenced from the meanest subject. Milton.
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So completely differenced by their separate and individual characters that we at once acknowledge them as distinct persons. Sir W. Scott.
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Different (?), a. [L. differens, -entis, p. pr. of differre: cf. F. différent.] 1. Distinct; separate; not the same; other. “Five different churches.” Addison.
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2. Of various or contrary nature, form, or quality; partially or totally unlike; dissimilar; as, different kinds of food or drink; different states of health; different shapes; different degrees of excellence.
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Men are as different from each other, as the regions in which they are born are different. Dryden.
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☞ Different is properly followed by from. Different to, for different from, is a common English colloquialism. Different than is quite inadmissible.
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differentia (?), n.; pl. Differentiæ (#). [L. See .] 1. (Logic) The formal or distinguishing part of the essence of a species, by which it is distinguished from other members of its genus; the characteristic attribute of a species; specific difference; as, a proper definition must have both genus and differentia.
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2. the set of characteristics distinguishing an entity from related entities.
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differentiable adj. 1. (Math.) possessing a differential coefficient or derivative; -- of a mathematical expression.
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2. capable of being perceived as different; as, differentiable species.
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differentiated adj. 1. made different (especially in the course of development) or shown to be different; as, the differentiated markings of butterflies; the regionally differentiated results. Opposite of undifferentiated.
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2. (Biol.) exhibiting biological specialization; adapted during development to a specific function or environment; as, differentiated cells.
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differential (?), a. [Cf. F. différentiel.] 1. Relating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate.
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For whom he produced differential favors. Motley.
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2. (Math.) Of or pertaining to a differential, or to differentials.
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3. (Mech.) Relating to differences of motion or leverage; producing effects by such differences; said of mechanism.
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Coloq. Differential calculus . (Math.) See under . -- Coloq. Differential coefficient , the limit of the ratio of the increment of a function of a variable to the increment of the variable itself, when these increments are made indefinitely small. -- Coloq. Differential coupling , a form of slip coupling used in light machinery to regulate at pleasure the velocity of the connected shaft. -- Coloq. Differential duties (Polit. Econ.), duties which are not imposed equally upon the same products imported from different countries. -- Coloq. Differential galvanometer (Elec.), a galvanometer having two coils or circuits, usually equal, through which currents passing in opposite directions are measured by the difference of their effect upon the needle. -- Coloq. Differential gearing , a train of toothed wheels, usually an epicyclic train, so arranged as to constitute a differential motion. -- Coloq. Differential motion , a mechanism in which a simple differential combination produces such a change of motion or force as would, with ordinary compound arrangements, require a considerable train of parts. It is used for overcoming great resistance or producing very slow or very rapid motion. -- Coloq. Differential pulley . (Mach.) (a) A portable hoisting apparatus, the same in principle as the differential windlass. (b) A hoisting pulley to which power is applied through a differential gearing. -- Coloq. Differential screw , a compound screw by which a motion is produced equal to the difference of the motions of the component screws. -- Coloq. Differential thermometer , a thermometer usually with a U-shaped tube terminating in two air bulbs, and containing a colored liquid, used for indicating the difference between the temperatures to which the two bulbs are exposed, by the change of position of the colored fluid, in consequence of the different expansions of the air in the bulbs. A graduated scale is attached to one leg of the tube. -- Coloq. Differential windlass , or Coloq. Chinese windlass , a windlass whose barrel has two parts of different diameters. The hoisting rope winds upon one part as it unwinds from the other, and a pulley sustaining the weight to be lifted hangs in the bight of the rope. It is an ancient example of a differential motion.
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Differential, n. 1. (Math.) An increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity.
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☞ According to the more modern writers upon the differential and integral calculus, if two or more quantities are dependent on each other, and subject to increments of value, their differentials need not be small, but are any quantities whose ratios to each other are the limits to which the ratios of the increments approximate, as these increments are reduced nearer and nearer to zero.
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2. A small difference in rates which competing railroad lines, in establishing a common tariff, allow one of their number to make, in order to get a fair share of the business. The lower rate is called a differential rate. Differentials are also sometimes granted to cities.
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3. (Elec.) (a) One of two coils of conducting wire so related to one another or to a magnet or armature common to both, that one coil produces polar action contrary to that of the other. (b) A form of conductor used for dividing and distributing the current to a series of electric lamps so as to maintain equal action in all. Knight.
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Coloq. Partial differential (Math.), the differential of a function of two or more variables, when only one of the variables receives an increment. -- Coloq. Total differential (Math.), the differential of a function of two or more variables, when each of the variables receives an increment. The total differential of the function is the sum of all the partial differentials.
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Differentially (?), adv. In the way of differentiation.
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Differentiate (?), v. t. 1. To distinguish or mark by a specific difference; to effect a difference in, as regards classification; to develop differential characteristics in; to specialize; to desynonymize.
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The word then was differentiated into the two forms then and than. Earle.
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Two or more of the forms assumed by the same original word become differentiated in signification. Dr. Murray.
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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.
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3. (Math.) To obtain the differential, or differential coefficient, of; as, to differentiate an algebraic expression, or an equation.
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Differentiate, v. i. (Biol.) To acquire a distinct and separate character. Huxley.
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Differentiation (?), n. 1. The act of differentiating.
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Further investigation of the Sanskrit may lead to differentiation of the meaning of such of these roots as are real roots. J. Peile.
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2. (Logic) The act of distinguishing or describing a thing, by giving its different, or specific difference; exact definition or determination.
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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.
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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.
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Differentiator (?), n. One who, or that which, differentiates.
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Differently (?), adv. In a different manner; variously.
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Differingly, adv. In a differing or different manner. Boyle.
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Difficile (?), a. [L. difficilis: cf. F. difficile. See .] Difficult; hard to manage; stubborn. [Obs.] -- Difficileness, n. [Obs.] Bacon.
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Difficilitate (?), v. t. To make difficult. [Obs.] W. Montagu.
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Difficult (?), a. [From .] 1. Hard to do or to make; beset with difficulty; attended with labor, trouble, or pains; not easy; arduous.
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☞ 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.
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There is not the strength or courage left me to venture into the wide, strange, and difficult world, alone. Hawthorne.
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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 .
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Difficult, v. t. To render difficult; to impede; to perplex. [R.] Sir W. Temple.
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Difficultate (?), v. t. To render difficult; to difficilitate. [Obs.] Cotgrave.
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Difficultly, adv. With difficulty. Cowper.
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Difficultness, n. Difficulty. [R.] Golding.
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Difficulty (?), n.; pl. Difficulties (#). [L. difficultas, fr. difficilis difficult; dif- = dis- + facilis easy: cf. F. difficulté. See .] 1. The state of being difficult, or hard to do; hardness; arduousness; -- opposed to easiness or facility; as, the difficulty of a task or enterprise; a work of difficulty.
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Not being able to promote them [the interests of life] on account of the difficulty of the region. James Byrne.
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2. Something difficult; a thing hard to do or to understand; that which occasions labor or perplexity, and requires skill and perseverance to overcome, solve, or achieve; a hard enterprise; an obstacle; an impediment; as, the difficulties of a science; difficulties in theology.
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They lie under some difficulties by reason of the emperor's displeasure. Addison.
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3. A controversy; a falling out; a disagreement; an objection; a cavil.
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Measures for terminating all local difficulties. Bancroft.
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4. Embarrassment of affairs, especially financial affairs; -- usually in the plural; as, to be in difficulties.
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In days of difficulty and pressure. Tennyson.

Syn. -- Impediment; obstacle; obstruction; embarrassment; perplexity; exigency; distress; trouble; trial; objection; cavil. See .
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Diffide (?), v. i. [L. diffidere. See .] To be distrustful. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
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Diffidence (?), n. [L. diffidentia.] 1. The state of being diffident; distrust; want of confidence; doubt of the power, ability, or disposition of others. [Archaic]
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That affliction grew heavy upon me, and weighed me down even to a diffidence of God's mercy. Donne.
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2. Distrust of one's self or one's own powers; lack of self-reliance; modesty; modest reserve; bashfulness.
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It is good to speak on such questions with diffidence. Macaulay.
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An Englishman's habitual diffidence and awkwardness of address. W. Irving.

Syn. -- Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear; timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See , and .
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Diffidency (?), n. See . [Obs.]
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Diffident (?), a. [L. diffidens, -entis, p. pr. of diffidere; dif- = dis + fidere to trust; akin to fides faith. See , and cf. .] 1. Wanting confidence in others; distrustful. [Archaic]
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You were always extremely diffident of their success. Melmoth.
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2. Wanting confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve.
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The diffident maidens,
Folding their hands in prayer. Longfellow.

Syn. -- Distrustful; suspicious; hesitating; doubtful; modest; bashful; lowly; reserved.
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Diffidently, adv. In a diffident manner.
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To stand diffidently against each other with their thoughts in battle array. Hobbes.
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Diffind (?), v. t. [L. diffindere, diffissum; dif- = dis- + findere to split.] To split. [Obs.] Bailey.
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Diffine (?), v. t. To define. [Obs.] Chaucer.
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Diffinitive (?), a. [For definitive.] Definitive; determinate; final. [Obs.] Sir H. Wotton.
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Diffission (?), n. [See .] Act of cleaving or splitting. [R.] Bailey.
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Difflation (?), n. [LL. difflatio, fr. L. difflare, difflatum, to disperse by blowing.] A blowing apart or away. [Obs.] Bailey.

{ Diffluence (?), Diffluency (?), } n. A flowing off on all sides; fluidity. [R.]
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Diffluent (?), a. [L. diffluens, p. pr. of diffluere to flow off; dif- = dis- + fluere to flow.] Flowing apart or off; dissolving; not fixed. [R.] Bailey.
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Difform (?), a. [Cf. F. difforme, fr. L. dif- = dis- + forma form. Cf. .] Irregular in form; -- opposed to uniform; anomalous; hence, unlike; dissimilar; as, to difform corolla, the parts of which do not correspond in size or proportion; difform leaves.
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The unequal refractions of difform rays. Sir I. Newton.
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Difformity (?), n. [Cf. F. difformité. See , .] Irregularity of form; diversity of form; want of uniformity. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
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Diffract (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Diffracted; p. pr. & vb. n. Diffracting.] [L. diffractus, p. p. of diffringere to break in pieces; dif- = dis- + frangere to break. See .] To break or separate into parts; to deflect, or decompose by deflection, a� rays of light.
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Diffraction (?), n. [Cf. F. diffraction.] (Opt.) The deflection and decomposition of light in passing by the edges of opaque bodies or through narrow slits, causing the appearance of parallel bands or fringes of prismatic colors, as by the action of a grating of fine lines or bars.
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Remarked by Grimaldi (1665), and referred by him to a property of light which he called diffraction. Whewell.
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Coloq. Diffraction grating . (Optics) See under . -- Coloq. Diffraction spectrum . (Optics) See under .
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Diffractive (?), a. That produces diffraction.

{ Diffranchise (?), Diffranchisement (?) }. See , .
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Diffusate (?), n. (Chem.) Material which, in the process of catalysis, has diffused or passed through the separating membrane.
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Diffuse (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Diffused (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Diffusing.] [L. diffusus, p. p. of diffundere to pour out, to diffuse; dif- = dis- + fundere to pour. See to melt.] To pour out and cause to spread, as a fluid; to cause to flow on all sides; to send out, or extend, in all directions; to spread; to circulate; to disseminate; to scatter; as to diffuse information.
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Thence diffuse
His good to worlds and ages infinite. Milton.
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We find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations. Whewell.

Syn. -- To expand; spread; circulate; extend; scatter; disperse; publish; proclaim.
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Diffuse, v. i. To pass by spreading every way, to diffuse itself.
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Diffuse (?), a. [L. diffusus, p. p.] Poured out; widely spread; not restrained; copious; full; esp., of style, opposed to concise or terse; verbose; prolix; as, a diffuse style; a diffuse writer.
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A diffuse and various knowledge of divine and human things. Milton.

Syn. -- Prolix; verbose; wide; copious; full. See .
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Diffused (?), a. Spread abroad; dispersed; loose; flowing; diffuse.
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It grew to be a widely diffused opinion. Hawthorne.

-- Diffusedly (#), adv. -- Diffusedness, n.
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Diffusely (?), adv. In a diffuse manner.
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Diffuseness, n. The quality of being diffuse; especially, in writing, the use of a great or excessive number of word to express the meaning; copiousness; verbosity; prolixity.
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