Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Having the power or quality of deciding; decisive: Something that is "determinant" has a controlling or deciding influence on an outcome.

2. Noun:

   • A determining or causal element or factor: A "determinant" is a key factor that decisively affects the nature or outcome of something.
   • A square matrix used to solve simultaneous equations: In mathematics, a "determinant" is a scalar value computed from the elements of a square matrix, used in linear algebra.
   • The site on an antigen molecule to which an antibody attaches: In immunology, an "antigenic determinant" is the specific part of an antigen molecule that is recognized and bound by an antibody.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:

  • The determinant factor in their success was strong leadership. (The decisive factor...)
  • Her testimony was determinant in the jury's final verdict. (Her testimony was decisive...)

• Noun:

  • Genetics is a major determinant of an individual's physical traits. (Genetics is a major causal factor...)
  • To find the solution, you must first calculate the determinant of the matrix. (You must calculate the scalar value...)
  • The antibody binds specifically to a single determinant on the virus's surface. (The antibody binds to a specific site...)

Advanced Usage

• "Determinant of": A common phrase indicating the factor that controls or decides something.
  • Socioeconomic status is often a powerful determinant of health outcomes.
• "Antigenic determinant" / "Epitope": The specific, localized region on an antigen that is recognized by the immune system.
  • Vaccines are designed to target key antigenic determinants.

Variants and Related Words

• Determine (verb): To ascertain, establish, or control exactly.
  • The judge will determine the sentence.
• Determination (noun): The quality of being resolute; the process of establishing something exactly.
  • She showed great determination to finish the race.
• Determinative (adjective/noun): Serving to define, qualify, or direct. Often used synonymously with "determinant."
  • The determinative evidence led to a conviction.

Synonyms

• Decisive (adj): Settling an issue; producing a definite result.
• Deciding (adj): Serving to resolve or settle.
• Factor (n): A circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result.
• Determiner (n): A person or thing that determines.

Related Phrases

• Key determinant: The most important deciding factor.
  • Access to capital is a key determinant for business growth.
• Social determinant: A condition in the environments where people are born and live that affects health and quality of life.
  • Housing is a critical social determinant of health.

Adjective

1. having the power or quality of deciding
   • the crucial experiment
   • cast the deciding vote
   • the determinative (or determinant) battle

Noun

1. a square matrix used to solve simultaneous equations
2. the site on the surface of an antigen molecule to which an antibody attaches itself
3. a determining or causal element or factor
   • education is an important determinant of one's outlook on life