differentiate

Verb
Synonyms: distinguishseparatesecernsecernateseveralizeseveralisetelltell apartmarkspeciatespecializespecialise

WordNet 3.0

Verb (6)

  1. mark as different“We distinguish several kinds of maple”Synonyms: distinguishseparatesecernsecernateseveralizeseveralisetelltell apart
  2. be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense“His modesty distinguishes him from his peers”Synonyms: distinguishmark
  3. calculate a derivative; take the derivative
  4. become different during development“cells differentiate”
  5. evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environmentSynonyms: speciatespecializespecialise
  6. become distinct and acquire a different character
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Differentiate \Dif`fer*en"ti*ate\, 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]

Differentiate \Dif`fer*en"ti*ate\, v. i. (Biol.) To acquire a distinct and separate character. --Huxley. [1913 Webster]
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