determinant








noun

  1. a determining agent or factor.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Genetics Archaic. a gene.

adjective

  1. serving to determine or affect

noun

  1. a factor, circumstance, etc, that influences or determines
  2. maths a square array of elements that represents the sum of certain products of these elements, used to solve simultaneous equations, in vector studies, etcCompare matrix (def. 9)

c.1600 (adj.); 1680s (n.), from Latin determinantem (nominative determinans), present participle of determinare (see determine).

n.

  1. An influencing or determining element or factor.
  2. Antigenic determinant.

adj.

  1. Tending or serving to determine.
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