Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

differentia

noun

/ˌdɪfəˈrɛnʃə/

Definition

A distinguishing characteristic or quality that sets apart one thing from another.

Examples

The differentia of a mammal includes features such as hair and the ability to nurse young.
In classifying animals, differentia is crucial for identifying unique traits that separate species.
In her argument, she highlighted the differentia between democracy and autocracy.

Meaning

In philosophical and logical contexts, differentia refers to the specific features that distinguish one species or idea from another within a classification.