determinant

noun

de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtər-mə-nənt How to pronounce determinant (audio)
1
: an element that identifies or determines the nature of something or that fixes or conditions an outcome
education level as a determinant of income
2
mathematics : a square array of numbers bordered on the left and right by a vertical line and having a value equal to the algebraic sum of all possible products where the number of factors in each product is the same as the number of rows or columns, each factor in a given product is taken from a different row and column, and the sign of a product is positive or negative depending upon whether the number of permutations necessary to place the indices representing each factor's position in its row or column in the order of the natural numbers is odd or even
3
genetics : gene
the determinant of the sickle-cell trait
4
biology : epitope
determinantal adjective

Examples of determinant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The potential for these laws to yield meaningful change will be shaped by their ability to address underlying social determinants and foster safer communities. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 Investing in education that emphasizes health equity — addressing the social determinants of health, recognizing disparities, and fostering cultural competence — not only empowers nurses but also improves patient outcomes and the vibrancy of our communities. Ann Marie P. Mauro, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2025 Similarly, social determinants of health can come into play. Brian Mastroianni, Health, 7 Jan. 2025 These patients already have different social determinants of health like proximity to care and the consequences of implicit bias. Susan Rinkunas, refinery29.com, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for determinant 

Word History

Etymology

see determine

First Known Use

1686, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of determinant was in 1686

Dictionary Entries Near determinant

Cite this Entry

“Determinant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/determinant. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

determinant

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt How to pronounce determinant (audio)
: something that determines or influences

Medical Definition

determinant

noun
de·​ter·​mi·​nant di-ˈtərm-(ə-)nənt How to pronounce determinant (audio)
1
a
: a hypothetical aggregate of biophores conceived as comparable to the gene of more recent biological theory
b
: gene
2
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