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differentiator

American  
[dif-uh-ren-shee-ay-ter] / ˌdɪf əˈrɛn ʃiˌeɪ tər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that differentiates.

  2. Computers. an electronic device whose output signal is proportional to the derivative of its input signal.

  3. Electricity, Electronics. a transducer or circuit differentiatorcircuit whose output is proportional to the rate of change of the input signal.


Etymology

Origin of differentiator

First recorded in 1885–90; differentiate + -or 2

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“They’re really trying to come across as a differentiator against some of the AI agents in the market,” said Kara Lee, a senior analyst at market intelligence firm Sensor Tower.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026

Before the data was announced, Oppenheimer analyst Jay Olson told investors that weight loss won’t be the main differentiator between Zepbound and Viking’s drug.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 22, 2026

In a crowded and competitive market, long-term adherence – shaped as much by tolerability as by efficacy – is probably a critical differentiator.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 8, 2026

As seen with drugs like Skyrizi and Icotyde, delivery methods can be a key differentiator that offer a competitive edge.

From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026

In the same way, could the human body, through the faculty of sight—the differentiator among things visible—benefit from gazing upon a revolting mass of excrement?

From Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by `Abdu'l-Bahá

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