Definition of Partial

1. Noun. The derivative of a function of two or more variables with respect to a single variable while the other variables are considered to be constant.


2. Adjective. Being or affecting only a part; not total. "Partial immunity"
Similar to: Incomplete, Uncomplete
Derivative terms: Part, Part, Partialness

3. Noun. A harmonic with a frequency that is a multiple of the fundamental frequency.
Exact synonyms: Overtone, Partial Tone
Generic synonyms: Harmonic

4. Adjective. Showing favoritism.
Also: Unfair, Unjust
Similar to: Biased, Colored, Coloured, One-sided, Slanted
Antonyms: Impartial
Derivative terms: Partiality

5. Adjective. (followed by 'of' or 'to') having a strong preference or liking for. "Partial to horror movies"
Exact synonyms: Fond
Similar to: Inclined
Derivative terms: Fondness

Definition of Partial

1. a. Of, pertaining to, or affecting, a part only; not general or universal; not total or entire; as, a partial eclipse of the moon.

Definition of Partial

1. Adjective. Existing as a part or portion; incomplete. ¹

2. Adjective. (computer science) Describing a property that holds only when an algorithm terminates. ¹

3. Adjective. Biased in favor of a person, side, or point of view, especially when dealing with a competition or dispute. ¹

4. Noun. (mathematics) A partial derivative: a derivative with respect to one independent variable of a function in multiple variables. ¹

5. Noun. (music) An overtone or harmonic. ¹

6. Noun. (dentistry) dentures that replace only some of the natural teeth ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Partial

1. a simple component of a complex tone [n -S]

Medical Definition of Partial

1. 1. Of, pertaining to, or affecting, a part only; not general or universal; not total or entire; as, a partial eclipse of the moon. "Partial dissolutions of the earth." 2. Inclined to favor one party in a cause, or one side of a question, more then the other; baised; not indifferent; as, a judge should not be partial. "Ye have been partial in the law." (Mal. Ii. 9) 3. Having a predelection for; inclined to favor unreasonably; foolishly fond. "A partial parent." "Not partial to an ostentatious display." (Sir W. Scott) 4. Pertaining to a subordinate portion; as, a compound umbel is made up of a several partial umbels; a leaflet is often supported by a partial petiole. Partial differentials, Partial differential coefficients, Partial differentiation, etc. (of a function of two or more variables), the differentials, differential coefficients, differentiation etc, of the function, upon the hypothesis that some of the variables are for the time constant. Partial fractions, the simple tones which in combination form an ordinary tone; the overtones, or harmonics, which, blending with a fundamental tone, cause its special quality of sound, or timbre, or tone colour. See, also, Tone. Origin: F, fr. LL. Partials, fr. L. Pars, gen. Partis, a part; cf. (for sense 1) F. Partiel. See Part. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Partial

parthenogenetic
parthenogenetically
parthenogenic
parthenogenitive
parthenogens
parthenogeny
parthenolide
parthenophobia
parthenote
parthenotes
parthood
parti
parti-color
parti pris
partial (current term)
partial(p)
partial-birth abortion
partial-birth abortions
partial-fraction
partial-order
partial-thickness burn
partial-thickness flap
partial-thickness graft
partial abortion
partial adrenocortical insufficiency
partial agglutinin
partial aneuploidy

Literary usage of Partial

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians by George Grove (1908)
"[See partial TONES.] But a differential may also arise from the combination of any upper partial of one sound with any partial of the other sound ; or from ..."

2. The American Journal of Psychology by Edward Bradford ( Titchener, Granville Stanley Hall (1922)
"From this point on the process of localization varies with the position of the images. (a) When the lower partial is near the aural ..."

3. Reports of Cases Argued and Determined in the High Court of Chancery: From by Great Britain Court of Chancery, Francis Vesey (1827)
"I admit the difference in the * case of a will and a conveyance afterwards for a partial purpose, the testator then dying without taking back the legal ..."

4. Elements of the Differential Calculus with Examples and Applications: A Text by William Elwood Byerly (1891)
"partial Derivatives. 194. Up to this time we have considered only functions of a single variable, but a complete treatment of our subject requires us to ..."

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