differentiator

American  

[dif-uh-ren-shee-ey-ter] / ˌdɪf əˈrɛn ʃiˌeɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that differentiates.

2. Computers. an electronic device whose output signal is proportional to the derivative of its input signal.

3. Electricity, Electronics. a transducer or circuit differentiatorcircuit whose output is proportional to the rate of change of the input signal.

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Etymology

Origin of differentiator

First recorded in 1885–90; differentiate + -or ²

Example Sentences

And in a market where AI capability is rapidly becoming the primary differentiator for hardware, software and services, being late isn’t fashionable — it’s existential.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

“Consequently, AppFolio does not appear vulnerable to significant financial pressures related to AI dislocation—a key differentiator relative to some SaaS stocks that have declined in value recently.”

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

Meanwhile, humanoid robots’ “brains” will rise in importance in 2026, as model capability becomes the key differentiator, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

"The major differentiator was starting with a clean sheet of paper. That was the secret sauce," explains Mr Hogan.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

In the same way, could the human body, through the faculty of sight—the differentiator among things visible—benefit from gazing upon a revolting mass of excrement?

From Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by `Abdu'l-Bahá