1. That which serves to determine; that which causes determination.
2. (Math.)
Defn: The sum of a series of products of several numbers, these products being formed according to certain specified laws; thus, the determinant of the nine numbers. a, b, c,a', b', c',a'\'b7, b'\'b7, c'\'b7, is a b' c'\'b7 — a b'\'b7 c' + a' b'\'b7 c] — a' b c'\'b7 + a'\'b7 b' c. The determinant is written by placing the numbers from which it is formed in a square between two vertical lines. The theory of determinants forms a very important branch of modern mathematics.
3. (Logic)
Defn: A mark or attribute, attached to the subject or predicate, narrowing the extent of both, but rendering them more definite and precise. Abp. Thomson.
DETERMINATE
De*ter"mi*nate, a. Etym: [L. determinatus, p. p. of determinare. See
Determine.]
1. Having defined limits; not uncertain or arbitrary; fixed; established; definite. Quantity of words and a determinate number of feet. Dryden.
2. Conclusive; decisive; positive. The determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Acts ii. 23.
3. Determined or resolved upon. [Obs.] My determinate voyage. Shak.
4. Of determined purpose; resolute. [Obs.] More determinate to do than skillful how to do. Sir P. Sidney. Determinate inflorescence (Bot.), that in which the flowering commences with the terminal bud of a stem, which puts a limit to its growth; — also called centrifugal inflorescence. — Determinate problem (Math.), a problem which admits of a limited number of solutions. — Determinate quantities, Determinate equations (Math.), those that are finite in the number of values or solutions, that is, in which the conditions of the problem or equation determine the number.