differentiate differentiate /ˌdɪfɝˈɛntʃiːˌeɪt/

verb

1. () Mark as different  ( secern , secernate , severalise [British] , differentiate , distinguish , separate , severalize , tell , tell apart )
   mark as different
    We distinguish several kinds of maple
   We distinguish several kinds of maple
   
2. () Be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense  ( differentiate , distinguish , mark )
   be a distinctive feature, attribute, or trait; sometimes in a very positive sense
    His modesty distinguishes him from his peers
   His modesty distinguishes him from his peers
   
3. Become distinct and acquire a different character  ( differentiate )
   become distinct and acquire a different character
   
4. Evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment  ( differentiate , specialise [British] , specialize , speciate )
   evolve so as to lead to a new species or develop in a way most suited to the environment
   
5. Become different during development  ( differentiate )
   become different during development
    Cells differentiate
   cells differentiate
   
6. (mathematics) calculate a derivative; take the derivative  ( differentiate )
   (mathematics) calculate a derivative; take the derivative