De*ter"mi*nant (?), a. [L. determinans, p. pr. of determinare: cf. F. déterminant.] Serving to determine or limit; determinative.
De*ter"mi*nant, n. 1. That which serves to determine; that which causes determination.
2. (Math.) The sum of a series of products of several numbers, these products being formed according to certain specified laws; thus, the determinant of the nine numbers
a, b, c,a′, b′, c′,a′′, b′′, c′′,
is a b′ c′′ - a b′′ c′ + a′ b′′ c] - a′ b c′′ + a′′ b′ c. The determinant is written by placing the numbers from which it is formed in a square between two vertical lines. The theory of determinants forms a very important branch of modern mathematics.
3. (Logic) A mark or attribute, attached to the subject or predicate, narrowing the extent of both, but rendering them more definite and precise. Abp. Thomson.
De*ter"mi*nate (?), a. [L. determinatus, p. p. of determinare. See Determine.] 1. Having defined limits; not uncertain or arbitrary; fixed; established; definite.
Quantity of words and a determinate number of feet.
Dryden.