*diff*

n. [ L. diffarreatio; dif- = farreum a spelt cake. See Confarreation. ] A form of divorce, among the ancient Romans, in which a cake was used. See Confarreation. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Differed p. pr. & vb. n. Differing. ] [ L. differre; dif- = dis- + ferre to bear, carry: cf. F. différer. See 1st Bear, and cf. Defer, Delay. ] 1. To be or stand apart; to disagree; to be unlike; to be distinguished; -- with from. [ 1913 Webster ]

One star differeth from another star in glory. 1 Cor. xv. 41. [ 1913 Webster ]

Minds differ, as rivers differ. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To be of unlike or opposite opinion; to disagree in sentiment; -- often with from or with. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To have a difference, cause of variance, or quarrel; to dispute; to contend. [ 1913 Webster ]

We 'll never differ with a crowded pit. Rowe.

Syn. -- To vary; disagree; dissent; dispute; contend; oppose; wrangle. -- To Differ with, Differ from. Both differ from and differ with are used in reference to opinions; as, “I differ from you or with you in that opinion.” In all other cases, expressing simple unlikeness, differ from is used; as, these two persons or things differ entirely from each other. [ 1913 Webster ]

Severely punished, not for differing from us in opinion, but for committing a nuisance. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

Davidson, whom on a former occasion we quoted, to differ from him. M. Arnold. [ 1913 Webster ]

Much as I differ from him concerning an essential part of the historic basis of religion. Gladstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

I differ with the honorable gentleman on that point. Brougham. [ 1913 Webster ]

If the honorable gentleman differs with me on that subject, I differ as heartily with him, and shall always rejoice to differ. Canning. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To cause to be different or unlike; to set at variance. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

But something 'ts that differs thee and me. Cowley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. différence, L. differentia. ] 1. The act of differing; the state or measure of being different or unlike; distinction; dissimilarity; unlikeness; variation; as, a difference of quality in paper; a difference in degrees of heat, or of light; what is the difference between the innocent and the guilty? [ 1913 Webster ]

Differencies of administration, but the same Lord. 1 Cor. xii. 5. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Disagreement in opinion; dissension; controversy; quarrel; hence, cause of dissension; matter in controversy. [ 1913 Webster ]

What was the difference? It was a contention in public. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Away therefore went I with the constable, leaving the old warden and the young constable to compose their difference as they could. T. Ellwood. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That by which one thing differs from another; that which distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction; characteristic quality; specific attribute. [ 1913 Webster ]

The marks and differences of sovereignty. Davies. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Choice; preference. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

That now he chooseth with vile difference
To be a beast, and lack intelligence. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. (Her.) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the same. See Augmentation, and Marks of cadency, under Cadency. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. (Math.) The quantity by which one quantity differs from another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one from the other. [ 1913 Webster ]

Ascensional difference. See under Ascensional.

Syn. -- Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation; diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance; contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate; quarrel; wrangle; strife. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Differenced p. pr. & vb. n. Differencing. ] To cause to differ; to make different; to mark as different; to distinguish. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou mayest difference gods from men. Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]

Kings, in receiving justice and undergoing trial, are not differenced from the meanest subject. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

So completely differenced by their separate and individual characters that we at once acknowledge them as distinct persons. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. differens, -entis, p. pr. of differre: cf. F. différent. ] 1. Distinct; separate; not the same; other. “Five different churches.” Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Men are as different from each other, as the regions in which they are born are different. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Different is properly followed by from. Different to, for different from, is a common English colloquialism. Different than is quite inadmissible. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Differentiæ [ L. See Difference. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

2. the set of characteristics distinguishing an entity from related entities. [ PJC ]

adj. 1. (Math.) possessing a differential coefficient or derivative; -- of a mathematical expression. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. capable of being perceived as different; as, differentiable species. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. 1. (Math.) An increment, usually an indefinitely small one, which is given to a variable quantity. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Partial differential (Math.), the differential of a function of two or more variables, when only one of the variables receives an increment. --
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. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. différentiel. ] 1. Relating to or indicating a difference; creating a difference; discriminating; special; as, differential characteristics; differential duties; a differential rate. [ 1913 Webster ]

For whom he produced differential favors. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Math.) Of or pertaining to a differential, or to differentials. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Mech.) Relating to differences of motion or leverage; producing effects by such differences; said of mechanism. [ 1913 Webster ]

Differential calculus. (Math.) See under Calculus. --
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. --
Differential coupling, a form of slip coupling used in light machinery to regulate at pleasure the velocity of the connected shaft. --
Differential duties (Polit. Econ.), duties which are not imposed equally upon the same products imported from different countries. --
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. --
Differential gearing, a train of toothed wheels, usually an epicyclic train, so arranged as to constitute a differential motion. --
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. --
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. --
Differential screw, a compound screw by which a motion is produced equal to the difference of the motions of the component screws. --
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. --
Differential windlass, or
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. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In the way of differentiation. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The word then was differentiated into the two forms then and than. Earle. [ 1913 Webster ]

Two or more of the forms assumed by the same original word become differentiated in signification. Dr. Murray. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Math.) To obtain the differential, or differential coefficient, of; as, to differentiate an algebraic expression, or an equation. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. (Biol.) To acquire a distinct and separate character. Huxley. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. (Biol.) exhibiting biological specialization; adapted during development to a specific function or environment; as, differentiated cells. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. 1. The act of differentiating. [ 1913 Webster ]

Further investigation of the Sanskrit may lead to differentiation of the meaning of such of these roots as are real roots. J. Peile. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Logic) The act of distinguishing or describing a thing, by giving its different, or specific difference; exact definition or determination. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who, or that which, differentiates. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a different manner; variously. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a differing or different manner. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. difficilis: cf. F. difficile. See Difficult. ] Difficult; hard to manage; stubborn. [ Obs. ] -- Dif"fi*cile*ness, n. [Obs.] Bacon. [1913 Webster]

v. t. To make difficult. [ Obs. ] W. Montagu. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ From Difficulty. ] 1. Hard to do or to make; beset with difficulty; attended with labor, trouble, or pains; not easy; arduous. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

There is not the strength or courage left me to venture into the wide, strange, and difficult world, alone. Hawthorne. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To render difficult; to impede; to perplex. [ R. ] Sir W. Temple. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To render difficult; to difficilitate. [ Obs. ] Cotgrave. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. With difficulty. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Difficulty. [ R. ] Golding. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Difficulties [ L. difficultas, fr. difficilis difficult; dif- = dis- + facilis easy: cf. F. difficulté. See Facile. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Not being able to promote them [ the interests of life ] on account of the difficulty of the region. James Byrne. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

They lie under some difficulties by reason of the emperor's displeasure. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A controversy; a falling out; a disagreement; an objection; a cavil. [ 1913 Webster ]

Measures for terminating all local difficulties. Bancroft. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Embarrassment of affairs, especially financial affairs; -- usually in the plural; as, to be in difficulties. [ 1913 Webster ]

In days of difficulty and pressure. Tennyson.

Syn. -- Impediment; obstacle; obstruction; embarrassment; perplexity; exigency; distress; trouble; trial; objection; cavil. See Impediment. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ L. diffidere. See Diffident. ] To be distrustful. [ Obs. ] Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. diffidentia. ] 1. The state of being diffident; distrust; want of confidence; doubt of the power, ability, or disposition of others. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

That affliction grew heavy upon me, and weighed me down even to a diffidence of God's mercy. Donne. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Distrust of one's self or one's own powers; lack of self-reliance; modesty; modest reserve; bashfulness. [ 1913 Webster ]

It is good to speak on such questions with diffidence. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

An Englishman's habitual diffidence and awkwardness of address. W. Irving.

Syn. -- Humility; bashfulness; distrust; suspicion; doubt; fear; timidity; apprehension; hesitation. See Humility, and Bashfulness. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Diffidence. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. diffidens, -entis, p. pr. of diffidere; dif- = dis + fidere to trust; akin to fides faith. See Faith, and cf. Defy. ] 1. Wanting confidence in others; distrustful. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

You were always extremely diffident of their success. Melmoth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Wanting confidence in one's self; distrustful of one's own powers; not self-reliant; timid; modest; bashful; characterized by modest reserve. [ 1913 Webster ]

The diffident maidens,
Folding their hands in prayer. Longfellow.

Syn. -- Distrustful; suspicious; hesitating; doubtful; modest; bashful; lowly; reserved. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a diffident manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

To stand diffidently against each other with their thoughts in battle array. Hobbes. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ L. diffindere, diffissum; dif- = dis- + findere to split. ] To split. [ Obs. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To define. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ For definitive. ] Definitive; determinate; final. [ Obs. ] Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Diffind. ] Act of cleaving or splitting. [ R. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. difflatio, fr. L. difflare, difflatum, to disperse by blowing. ] A blowing apart or away. [ Obs. ] Bailey.

{ } n. A flowing off on all sides; fluidity. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. diffluens, p. pr. of diffluere to flow off; dif- = dis- + fluere to flow. ] Flowing apart or off; dissolving; not fixed. [ R. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. difforme, fr. L. dif- = dis- + forma form. Cf. Deform. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The unequal refractions of difform rays. Sir I. Newton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. difformité. See Difform, Deformity. ] Irregularity of form; diversity of form; want of uniformity. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 Fracture. ] To break or separate into parts; to deflect, or decompose by deflection, a&unr_; rays of light. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Remarked by Grimaldi (1665), and referred by him to a property of light which he called diffraction. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]

Diffraction grating. (Optics) See under Grating. --
Diffraction spectrum. (Optics) See under Spectrum. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. That produces diffraction.

{ . See Disfranchise, Disfranchisement. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Chem.) Material which, in the process of catalysis, has diffused or passed through the separating membrane. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 Fuse 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thence diffuse
His good to worlds and ages infinite. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

We find this knowledge diffused among all civilized nations. Whewell.

Syn. -- To expand; spread; circulate; extend; scatter; disperse; publish; proclaim. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To pass by spreading every way, to diffuse itself. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

A diffuse and various knowledge of divine and human things. Milton.

Syn. -- Prolix; verbose; wide; copious; full. See Prolix. [ 1913 Webster ]