Differentia

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  differentia \dif`fer*en"ti*a\, n.; pl. {Differenti[ae]}. [L. See
     {Difference}.]
     1. (Logic) The formal or distinguishing part of the essence
        of a species, by which it is distinguished from other
        members of its genus; the characteristic attribute of a
        species; specific difference; as, a proper definition must


        have both genus and differentia.
        [1913 Webster +PJC]
  
     2. the set of characteristics distinguishing an entity from
        related entities.
        [PJC]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  differentia
       n : distinguishing characteristics (especially in different
           species of a genus)
       [also: {differentiae} (pl)]