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Differential vs Variation - What's the difference?

differential | variation |

As nouns the difference between differential and variation

is that differential is the differential gear in an automobile etc while variation is variation.

As an adjective differential

is of, or relating to a difference.

differential

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • of, or relating to a difference
  • differential characteristics
  • * Motley
  • For whom he produced differential favours.
  • dependent on, or making a difference; distinctive
  • having differences in speed or direction of motion
  • (mathematics) of, or relating to differentiation, or the differential calculus
  • Noun

    (en noun)
  • the differential gear in an automobile etc
  • a qualitative or quantitative difference between similar or comparable things
  • (mathematics) an infinitesimal change in a variable, or the result of differentiation
  • 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.
  • 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)

    Derived terms

    * differential amplifier * differential analyzer * differential coefficient * differential gear * differential equation * partial differential equation

    variation

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • The act of varying; a partial change in the form, position, state, or qualities of a thing
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=May-June, author= David Van Tassel], [http://www.americanscientist.org/authors/detail/lee-dehaan Lee DeHaan
  • , title= Wild Plants to the Rescue , volume=101, issue=3, magazine=(American Scientist) , passage=Plant breeding is always a numbers game.
  • A related but distinct thing.
  • (nautical) The angular difference at the vessel between the direction of true north and magnetic north. Also called magnetic declination.
  • (board games) A line of play that differs from the original.
  • (music) A technique where material is repeated with alterations to the melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, texture, counterpoint or orchestration; but with some invariant characteristic, e.g. a ground bass.
  • Derived terms

    * magnetic variation * theme and variations

    References

    * US FM 55-501 MARINE CREWMAN’S HANDBOOK; 1 December 1999 * * ----