determinant

Everyday

1. Something that decides or strongly affects what happens, as in «Sleep is a big determinant of how well you learn». tree →
2. (maths) A special number worked out from a square table of numbers (a matrix), used in higher maths; it is not usually taught at primary school. tree →

In the lessons

In science and health it means a factor: «Diet and exercise are determinants of health». In geography: «Climate is a determinant of where people live». In secondary or university maths, the determinant of a matrix tells, for example, whether a set of equations has one answer. It is a formal, exam-style word.

Examples

• Weather is a key determinant of how many people visit the beach. tree →
• Practice is the main determinant of how well you play. tree →
• Scientists studied the determinants of good health. tree →
• Rainfall is a determinant of which plants can grow. tree →
• In older maths classes you learn to find the determinant of a matrix. tree →
• Price is often a determinant of what people buy. tree →

Note

Formal word; in everyday talk say «factor» or «what decides». Do not confuse with «determined» (having made up your mind) or «deterrent» (something that stops people doing a thing).