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Determinant

1. That which serves to determine; that which causes determination.

2. (Science: mathematics) 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. Is a b' c a b c _ a b c] a b c _ a 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. (Science: logic) a mark or attribute, attached to the subject or predicate, narrowing the extent of both, but rendering them more definite and precise.