01 n. The act of differentiating.
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1.
The act of differentiating.“Further investigation of the Sanskrit may lead to differentiation of the meaning of such of these roots as are real roots.” — J. Peile.
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2.
The act of distinguishing or describing a thing, by giving its different, or specific difference; exact definition or determination.(Logic)
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3.
The gradual formation or production of organs or parts by a process of evolution or development, as when the seed develops the root and the stem, the initial stem develops the leaf, branches, and flower buds; or in animal life, when the germ evolves the digestive and other organs and members, or when the animals as they advance in organization acquire special organs for specific purposes.(Biol.)
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4.
The supposed act or tendency in being of every kind, whether organic or inorganic, to assume or produce a more complex structure or functions.(Metaph.)