De*ter"mi*nant (?), a. [L. determinans, p. pr. of determinare: cf. F. d'eterminant.]

Serving to determine or limit; determinative.

 

© Webster 1913.


De*ter"mi*nant, n.

1.

That which serves to determine; that which causes determination.

2. Math.

The sum of a series of products of several numbers, these products being formed according to certain specified laws; thus, the determinant of the nine numbers a, b, c,a', b', c',a'', b'', c'', is a b' c'' - a b'' c' + a' b'' c] - a' b c'' + a'' b' c. The theory of determinants forms a very important branch of modern mathematics.

3. Logic

A mark or attribute, attached to the subject or predicate, narrowing the extent of both, but rendering them more definite and precise.

Abp. Thomson.

 

© Webster 1913.