Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
3. That by which one thing differs from another; that which
distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction;
characteristic quality; specific attribute.
The marks and differences of sovereignty. --Davies.
4. Choice; preference. [Obs.]
That now he chooseth with vile difference To be a
beast, and lack intelligence. --Spenser.
5. (Her.) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the
bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the
same. See {Augmentation}, and {Marks of cadency}, under
{Cadency}.
6. (Logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those
of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.
7. (Math.) The quantity by which one quantity differs from
another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one
from the other.
{Ascensional difference}. See under {Ascensional}.
Syn: Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation;
diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance;
contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate;
quarrel; wrangle; strife.
Ascensional \As*cen"sion*al\, a.
Relating to ascension; connected with ascent; ascensive;
tending upward; as, the ascensional power of a balloon.
{Ascensional difference} (Astron.), the difference between
oblique and right ascension; -- used chiefly as expressing
the difference between the time of the rising or setting
of a body and six o'clock, or six hours from its meridian
passage.