determinant
Americannoun
-
a determining agent or factor.
-
Mathematics. an algebraic expression of the sum of products of elements, each with an appropriate algebraic sign, usually written in a square array and used in the solution of systems of linear equations.
-
Also called antigenic determinant,. Also called epitope. Immunology. any site on an antigen molecule at which an antibody can bind, the chemical structure of the site determining the specific combining antibody.
-
Genetics Archaic. a gene.
adjective
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012noun
-
a factor, circumstance, etc, that influences or determines
-
maths a square array of elements that represents the sum of certain products of these elements, used to solve simultaneous equations, in vector studies, etc Compare matrix
Other Word Forms
- nondeterminant noun
Etymology
Origin of determinant
First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin dēterminant- (stem of dētermināns ), present participle of dētermināre; determine, -ant
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.
Industrial activity in China has become a key determinant of prices in recent weeks following its ending of coronavirus-related restrictions, amid weaker global demand.
From Reuters
They can raise their collective voice in support of evidence-based health measures; expose and oppose the harmful effects of commercial determinants on health and equity; and insist that commercial actors and governments are held accountable.
From Salon
Over the past five decades, emergency medicine has evolved from a job for “adrenaline junkies” to a diverse specialty at the forefront of addressing health inequity and social determinants of health.
From Washington Post
The fundamental determinant "of the rate at which we can transition to sustainability is the rate at which we can grow the output of lithium ion batteries," he said in the interview.
From Reuters
The public has glommed on to the cosmic irony of Davis, a Black radical, being descended from a group of people whom elitists view as a top determinant of social legitimacy.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
