diff

¹ American  

[dif] / dɪf /

noun

1. Informal. difference.

   What’s the diff if I go Tuesday or Wednesday?

2. Computers. an operation that computes and displays the data difference or differences between two files, usually between two versions of the same file: Go back to the original program files you downloaded and run a diff to see what has changed.

   Before you submit your work, always do a diff on it.

   Go back to the original program files you downloaded and run a diff to see what has changed.

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verb (used with object)

1. Computers. to compare (data files) and display the difference or differences.

   It’s easier to diff the files if they are in the same repository.

diff. ² American  

abbreviation

1. difference.

2. different.

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Etymology

Origin of diff

First recorded in 1600–25; by shortening

Example Sentences

The researchers are currently working on modifying the system to help combat Clostridioides difficile, commonly referred to as C. diff, a bacterium that can cause diarrhea and colitis, among other symptoms.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2024

C. diff infection is the leading cause of death due to gastroenteritis in the U.S.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

"If antimicrobial resistance increases in both antibiotics, it will complicate the management of C. diff infection leading us back to a pre-antibiotic era."

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

The majority of patients with recurrent C. diff are candidates and can consider an FMT therapy to prevent recurrence.

From Science Daily • Feb. 21, 2024

“No diff than all dem Haskell Rascals running around.”

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith