1. a distinguishing characteristic or feature that sets one thing apart from others of the same class
Usage: formal; philosophy; logic

Examples

• The philosopher identified rationality as the key differentia between humans and other animals.
• In taxonomy, scientists look for specific differentia to classify species.
• The differentia of this particular genus lies in its unique leaf structure.
• Aristotle used differentia to define categories in his logical system.
• The biologist noted several differentia that distinguished the new species from its relatives.