Determinants

/dɪˈtɜːrmɪnənts/ noun

Definition

Plural of determinant; things that determine or decide something, or in mathematics, special numbers calculated from square grids of numbers.

Etymology

From Latin determinans, present participle of determinare (to set bounds). The -s marks the plural form, used in both general and mathematical contexts.

Kelly Says

Social scientists study 'determinants of health' (what factors decide whether you're healthy), while mathematicians study determinants that decide whether equations have solutions—same word, totally different toolkits!

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