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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

"If antimicrobial resistance increases in both antibiotics, it will complicate the management of C. diff infection leading us back to a pre-antibiotic era."

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

"It's an alarming development in the field of C. diff as there are only two recommended antibiotics," said Kevin Garey, professor of pharmacy practice and translational research.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

Omadacycline demonstrated a low likelihood of causing C diff in clinical trials, but no one understood why.

From Science Daily • Dec. 19, 2023

C diff brings on diarrhea and colitis, an inflammation of the colon, and is responsible for nearly 500,000 infections annually in the United States.

From Science Daily • Dec. 19, 2023

At this moment, as if to confirm Sir Grummore’s opinion, a pair of enlaced figures sauntered along the diff road.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White