determinant
noun
de·ter·mi·nant
di-ˈtər-mə-nənt 
1
: an element that identifies or determines the nature of something or that fixes or conditions an outcome
education level as a determinant of income
2
mathematics
: a square array of numbers bordered on the left and right by a vertical line and having a value equal to the algebraic sum of all possible products where the number of factors in each product is the same as the number of rows or columns, each factor in a given product is taken from a different row and column, and the sign of a product is positive or negative depending upon whether the number of permutations necessary to place the indices representing each factor's position in its row or column in the order of the natural numbers is odd or even
3
genetics
: gene
the determinant of the sickle-cell trait
4
biology
: epitope
Examples of determinant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Social determinants of health (SDoH)—everything from housing stability to education and food access—play a huge role in shaping health outcomes.
—
Raghvendra Tripathi, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Additionally, the social determinants of health – such as a patient’s environment, race, education and wealth – are also very important to their health and longevity.
—Michelle Riba, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
These categorizations and determinants have been challenged.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Pediatricians focus on preventing illness, promoting growth and development, and addressing health determinants.
—Brooke Redmond, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for determinant
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Raghvendra Tripathi, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Additionally, the social determinants of health – such as a patient’s environment, race, education and wealth – are also very important to their health and longevity.
—Michelle Riba, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
These categorizations and determinants have been challenged.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Pediatricians focus on preventing illness, promoting growth and development, and addressing health determinants.
—Brooke Redmond, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for determinant
Cite this Entry
“Determinant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determinant. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
determinant
noun
de·ter·mi·nant
di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt
: something that determines or influences
Medical Definition
determinant
noun
de·ter·mi·nant
di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt
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