determinant

American  

[dih-tur-muh-nuhnt] / dɪˈtɜr mə nənt /

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.

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determinant British  

/ dɪˈtɜːmɪnənt /

adjective

1. serving to determine or affect

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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

Etymology

Origin of determinant

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

Explanation

A determinant is a factor or cause that makes something happen or leads directly to a decision. The word determinant hasn't strayed much from its roots in the Latin word for "determining." As a noun or adjective, it refers to determining or deciding something. A snowstorm could be a determinant in school being canceled. Or a good health-care plan could be the determinant in someone taking a job. The determinant cause of a disease is responsible for the spread of the disease. Anything described as determinant is important.

Example Sentences

Analysts note that GPU momentum will be an important determinant of the stock’s direction, as investors assess whether the Instinct MI400 is catching on.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

“Housing is the biggest determinant of health outcomes including heart disease,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

While the general market celebrates cheaper liquidity, the real determinant of the next wave of biotech leaders is the concentration of capital.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 10, 2025

All of that indicates ADP’s latest employment data could be a key determinant in how both officials and investors view the odds of a December cut.

From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025

I have been dwelling on latitude, readily assessed by a glance at a map, because it is a major determinant of climate, growing conditions, and ease of spread of food production.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

Related Words

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