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• diff
  diff

  noun

  difference.
• diff.
  diff.

  abbreviation

  difference.

diff

¹ American  

[dif] / dɪf /

noun

1. Informal. difference.

   What’s the diff if I go Tuesday or Wednesday?

2. Computers. an operation that computes and displays the data difference or differences between two files, usually between two versions of the same file: Go back to the original program files you downloaded and run a diff to see what has changed.

   Before you submit your work, always do a diff on it.

   Go back to the original program files you downloaded and run a diff to see what has changed.

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verb (used with object)

1. Computers. to compare (data files) and display the difference or differences.

   It’s easier to diff the files if they are in the same repository.

diff. ² American  

abbreviation

1. difference.

2. different.

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Etymology

Origin of diff

First recorded in 1600–25; by shortening

Example Sentences

"The only place where independent filmmakers can show their films are in festivals like ours," said Tenzing Sonam, Diff co-director.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2014

But I kind of resigned myself, not just cancer but also with the bacterial infection C. Diff… I do not want to die like crazy.

From Salon • Jun. 10, 2013

The human gut: for the patient with chronic C Diff infection, being implanted with someone else's faecal bacteria can be a life saver.

From The Guardian • Mar. 31, 2013

This is shown in the case of the chloracetic acids: CH3CO2H = 118�   Diff.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

For instance, constant differences are found between the chlorides, bromides and iodides of sodium and potassium:—   I. Diff.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various