determinant

[dih-tur-muh-nuhnt]

noun

1. a determining agent or factor.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Genetics Archaic.,  a gene.

determinant

/ dɪˈtɜːmɪnənt /

adjective

1. serving to determine or affect

noun

1. a factor, circumstance, etc, that influences or determines

2. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of determinant¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin dēterminant- (stem of dētermināns ), present participle of dētermināre; determine, -ant

Example Sentences

Productivity is a significant determinant of a nation’s average standard of living and its overall economic success.

Read more on Barron's

These new defenestrations of the “Lean In” perspective are rejections of the individual work ethic as a core determinant of success.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

UT Austin also educates medical professionals in “social determinants of health,” according to its website.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Growth stocks are the best place to be positioned in 2026 across all three markets, because bond yields, rather than earnings growth, is the key performance determinant, a strategist says.

Read more on MarketWatch

Many investors know that valuation is usually not the main determinant for timing stock market corrections.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

• aim 
• cause 
• consideration 
• emotion 
• feeling 
• idea 
• impulse 
• influence 
• intent 
• intention 
• motivation 
• passion 
• rationale