differentiator

American

[dif-uh-ren-shee-ey-ter] / ˌdɪf əˈrɛn ʃiˌeɪ tər /

noun

a person or thing that differentiates.
Computers. an electronic device whose output signal is proportional to the derivative of its input signal.
Electricity, Electronics. a transducer or circuit differentiatorcircuit whose output is proportional to the rate of change of the input signal.

Etymology

Origin of differentiator

First recorded in 1885–90; differentiate + -or ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Fintech names seem to view scale as a differentiator in a world where the barriers to entry for equities and crypto trading are eroding.

From Barron's

Fintech names seem to view scale as a differentiator in a world where the barrier to entry for equities and crypto trading is eroding.

From Barron's

“Our value and scale advantages will remain a differentiator, while our new brand campaign and e-commerce site will drive deliciousness and improved experiences,” Weiner said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Okta’s key differentiator is precisely its pure-play focus on identity, where there is an advantage in the platform being a neutral third party, not a secondary feature within a broader product suite.

From Barron's

There is also the risk of diminishing returns: as more platforms deploy similar tools, AI may become a baseline cost of doing business rather than a lasting differentiator.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023