: an element, feature, or factor that distinguishes one entity, state, or class from another
especially : a characteristic trait distinguishing a species from other species of the same genus

Examples of differentia in a Sentence

a list of the chief differentiae between a controlling cult and a legitimate religious sect

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin — more at difference entry 1

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of differentia was in 1551

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Differentia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differentia. Accessed 6 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

differentia

noun
: the element, feature, or factor that distinguishes one entity, state, or class from another
especially : a characteristic trait distinguishing a species from other species of the same genus
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