differentiation
UK: ˌdɪf.ər.en.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən | US: ˌdɪf.ər.en.ʃiˈeɪ.ʃən
n. the process of becoming or making something distinct or specialized
n. (biology) the process by which cells or tissues develop specialized forms or functions
n. (mathematics) the process of computing a derivative
The word traces back to Latin differentia ("difference"), from differre ("to carry apart, differ"), combining dis- ("apart") + ferre ("to carry"). The suffix -ent forms adjectives, while -iation nominalizes the action. Over time, "differentiation" evolved to describe the act of distinguishing or specializing, reflecting its root in separation and variation.
Cell differentiation is crucial for embryonic development.
The differentiation of products helps companies target niche markets.
In calculus, differentiation calculates the rate of change.
Cultural differentiation preserves unique traditions.
The teacher emphasized the differentiation between facts and opinions.