a relatively simple expression that determines some of the properties, as the nature of the roots, of a given equation or function.
Origin: 1830–40; < L discrīminant- (s. of discrīmināns) separating, prp. of discrīmināre to divide up, separate, v. deriv. of discrīmen, s. discrīmin- separating line, distinction, equiv. to discrī-, var. s. of discernere (see discern) + -men n. suffix; see -ant
[di-skrim-uh-nuh
nt] 