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.