differenciálny

Diferenciálny is an adjective used in Slovak and Czech to denote a relation to differentiation or to differences. The standard Slovak spelling is diferenciálny; Czech uses diferenciální. The term derives from the Latin differentia and is closely related to the noun diferenciál (differential) and to forms such as diferenciálne (adverb) or differentiálne, depending on the language.

In mathematics and science, diferenciálny describes concepts tied to differentiation. In calculus, differential quantities, commonly written as dx or dy, are described as diferenciálne veličiny in Slovak. Differential equations are termed diferenciálna rovnica, and a differential operator may be referred to as diferenciálny operátor or by similar phrasing in mathematical texts.

In engineering and technology, the adjective is used for mechanisms and parts involving differences in quantities. A well-known example is the diferenciál, a mechanical device in motor vehicles that distributes torque between wheels; related phrases such as diferenciálny mechanizmus or diferenciálne systémy appear in technical descriptions.

In medicine and linguistics, diferenciálny appears in established terms such as diferenciálna diagnóza (differential diagnosis) and in descriptions of differentiating features or contrasts, such as diferenciálne znaky or diferenciálne prvky, depending on context.

See also: diferenciál, diferenciálna rovnica, diferenciálna geometria.

The term functions across disciplines to denote either a mathematical notion of differentiation or a broader sense of differentiation as a difference or contrast between elements.