Meaning · noun
differential, breaker
- A gear mechanism that allows drive wheels to rotate at different speeds (mechanics).
- A residual-current device or circuit breaker (colloquially called 'salvavita') in electrical systems.
- A difference or gap between two values, rates, or prices.
In a sentence
È scattato il differenziale a causa di un sovraccarico sulla linea elettrica.
The circuit breaker tripped due to an overload on the power line.
Il meccanico ha dovuto sostituire il differenziale posteriore dell'automobile.
The mechanic had to replace the car's rear differential.
Gli analisti esaminano con attenzione il differenziale di rendimento tra i titoli.
Analysts are carefully examining the yield differential between the bonds.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| differenziale | masculine · singular |
| differenziali | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Also functions as an adjective meaning 'differential'.
- In household contexts, often synonymous with 'interruttore differenziale'.