determinant

[ dih-tur-muh-nuh nt ]
/ dɪˈtɜr mə nənt /

noun

a determining agent or factor.
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.
Also called antigenic determinant, 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.
Genetics Archaic. a gene.

Origin of determinant

1600–10; < Latin dēterminant- (stem of dētermināns), present participle of dētermināre. See determine, -ant

OTHER WORDS FROM determinant

non·de·ter·mi·nant, noun

Example sentences from the Web for determinant

British Dictionary definitions for determinant

determinant
/ (dɪˈtɜːmɪnənt) /

adjective

serving to determine or affect

noun

a factor, circumstance, etc, that influences or determines
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 (def. 9)

Medical definitions for determinant

determinant
[ dĭ-tûrmə-nənt ]

n.

An influencing or determining element or factor.
Antigenic determinant.

adj.

Tending or serving to determine.