Relating to, or characterized by, a difference; distinguishing. [L. dif-fero, to carry apart, differ, fr. dis, apart]
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dif·fer·en·tial .dif-ə-'ren-chəl adj
1) of, relating to, or constituting a difference <\differential birth rates in different economic levels>
2) making a distinction between individuals or classes <\differential cell counts> <\differential staining>
dif·fer·en·tial·ly -'rench-(ə-)lē adv
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dif·fer·en·tial (dif″ər-enґshəl) [L. differre to carry apart] pertaining to a difference or differences.Medical dictionary. 2011.