DIFFERENCE, n. 1. The state of being unlike or distinct; distinction; disagreement; want of sameness; variation; dissimilarity. Difference may be total or partial, and exist in the nature and essence of things, in the form, the qualities or degrees. There is a difference in nature between animals and plants; a difference in form between the genera and species of animals; a difference of quality in paper; and a difference in degrees of heat, or of light.2. The quality which distinguishes one thing from another.3. Dispute; debate; contention; quarrel; controversy.What was the difference? It was a contention in public.4. The point in dispute; ground of controversy.5. A logical distinction.6. Evidences or marks of distinction.The marks and differences of sovereignty.7. Distinction. There is no difference between the Jew and the Greek. Romans 10.8. In mathematics, the remainder of a sum or quantity, after a lesser sum or quantity is subtracted.9. In logic, an essential attribute, belonging to some species, and not found in the genus; being the idea that defines the species.10. In heraldry, a certain figure added to a coat of arms, serving to distinguish one family from another, or to show how distant a younger branch is from the elder or principal branch. DIFFERENCE, v.t. To cause a difference or distinction. A regular administration of justice according to fixed laws differences a civilized from a savage state.
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