differentiator

[ dif-uh-ren-shee-ey-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that differentiates.
2. Computers. an electronic device whose output signal is proportional to the derivative of its input signal.
3. Electricity, Electronics. a transducer or circuit differentiatorcircuit whose output is proportional to the rate of change of the input signal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of differentiator¹

First recorded in 1885–90; differentiate + -or ²

Example Sentences

For next week’s chart, the key differentiator may be both women’s releases of multiple versions of their albums, on rainbows of vinyl or in digital editions with extra goodies to goose fans’ interest.

From New York Times

Local issues have instead served more of a differentiator among the candidates competing for second place, rather than part of a winning strategy.

From New York Times

But “Love Has Won” has one dazzling and bizarre differentiator from those: its followers’ universal connection through the spirit of Robin Williams.

From Salon

Yormark said the partnership is a differentiator for the Big 12 because of the wrestling organization’s 150 million social media followers.

From Seattle Times

"Our predictive models, as well as the grain purchasing strategy, are a competitive differentiator for BRF and are proving to be highly efficient," he added.

From Reuters