Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Discrimination \Dis*crim`i*na"tion\, n. [L. discriminatio the
   contrasting of opposite thoughts.]
   1. The act of discriminating, distinguishing, or noting and
      marking differences.

            To make an anxious discrimination between the
            miracle absolute and providential.    --Trench.

   2. The state of being discriminated, distinguished, or set
      apart. --Sir J. Reynolds.

   3. (Railroads) The arbitrary imposition of unequal tariffs
      for substantially the same service.

            A difference in rates, not based upon any
            corresponding difference in cost, constitutes a case
            of discrimination.                    --A. T.
                                                  Hadley.

   4. The quality of being discriminating; faculty of nicely
      distinguishing; acute discernment; as, to show great
      discrimination in the choice of means.

   5. That which discriminates; mark of distinction.

   Syn: Discernment; penetration; clearness; acuteness;
        judgment; distinction. See {Discernment}.

Source : WordNet®

discrimination
     n 1: unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of
          prejudice [syn: {favoritism}, {favouritism}]
     2: the cognitive process whereby two or more stimuli are
        distinguished [syn: {secernment}]