determinant
Americannoun
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a determining agent or factor.
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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.
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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.
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Genetics Archaic. a gene.
adjective
noun
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a factor, circumstance, etc, that influences or determines
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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.
Such a move might generate fears of future inflation and push up long-term interest rates, an important determinant of mortgage costs and businesses’ borrowing expenses, Musalem said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026
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
These new defenestrations of the “Lean In” perspective are rejections of the individual work ethic as a core determinant of success.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 11, 2025
Many investors know that valuation is usually not the main determinant for timing stock market corrections.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 3, 2025
“The most powerful determinant of who you are is inside you,” he said.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
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.
