different between discriminant vs distinction

English

Noun

discriminant (plural discriminants)

1. (algebra) An expression that gives information about the roots of a polynomial; for example, the expression D = b² - 4ac determines whether the roots of the quadratic equation ax² + bx + c = 0 are real and distinct (D > 0), real and equal (D = 0) or complex (D < 0).
2. (geometry) The invariant (on the vector space of forms of degree d in n variables) that vanishes exactly when the corresponding hypersurface in P^n-1 is singular.

Derived terms

Translations

Adjective

discriminant (comparative more discriminant, superlative most discriminant)

1. Serving to discriminate.

Catalan

Verb

discriminant

1. present participle of discriminar

Dutch

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin discr?min?ns.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?d?s.kri.mi?n?nt/
• Hyphenation: dis?cri?mi?nant
• Rhymes: -?nt

Noun

discriminant m (plural discriminanten, diminutive discriminantje n)

1. (algebra) discriminant

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /dis.k?i.mi.n??/

Noun

discriminant m (plural discriminants)

1. (mathematics) discriminant

Further reading

• “discriminant” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).

Latin

Verb

discr?minant

1. third-person plural present active indicative of discr?min?

Romanian

Etymology

From French discriminant.

Adjective

discriminant m or n (feminine singular discriminant?, masculine plural discriminan?i, feminine and neuter plural discriminante)

1. discriminant

Declension

English

Etymology

From Middle English distinccioun, from Old French distinction (attested 12th century), from the Latin accusative distinctionem, action noun of distinguo (“I distinguish”). Used in English from the late 14th century.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d??st??k??n/

Noun

distinction (countable and uncountable, plural distinctions)

1. That which distinguishes; a single occurrence of a determining factor or feature, the fact of being divided; separation, discrimination.
2. The act of distinguishing, discriminating; discrimination.
3. Specifically, a feature that causes someone or something to stand out as being better; a mark of honour, rank, eminence or excellence; being distinguished.
   • 2013, Daniel Taylor, Steven Gerrard goal against Poland ensures England will go to World Cup (in The Guardian, 15 October 2013)[2]

     Leighton Baines, playing with distinction again, sent over a left-wing cross with pace and accuracy. Welbeck, prominently involved all night, could not reach it but Rooney was directly behind him, flashing his header past Szczesny.

Antonyms

• (that which distinguishes): confusion

Derived terms

• contradistinction
• distinction without a difference

Related terms

• distinct
• distinguish
• distinguished
• distinguishable
• distinguishness

Translations

French

Etymology

From Old French distinction (attested in the 12th century), from borrowed from the Latin accusative distinctionem, the action noun of distinguere (“distinguish”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /dis.t??k.sj??/
• Rhymes: -??
• Homophone: distinctions

Noun

distinction f (plural distinctions)

1. distinction (difference, honour)

Related terms

• distinct
• distinguer

Further reading

• “distinction” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).