discriminant.

A quantity or function used to distinguish cases, groups, or kinds of mathematical solution.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• quadratic discriminant
• discriminant function

On the page

The discriminant showed that the equation had two real roots.

Usage notes

Primary category: analysis / argumentation / evidence. Forms: Singular discriminant; plural discriminants. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Commonness: moderately common.