资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

   3. That by which one thing differs from another; that which
      distinguishes or causes to differ; mark of distinction;
      characteristic quality; specific attribute.

            The marks and differences of sovereignty. --Davies.

   4. Choice; preference. [Obs.]

            That now he chooseth with vile difference To be a
            beast, and lack intelligence.         --Spenser.

   5. (Her.) An addition to a coat of arms to distinguish the
      bearings of two persons, which would otherwise be the
      same. See {Augmentation}, and {Marks of cadency}, under
      {Cadency}.

   6. (Logic) The quality or attribute which is added to those
      of the genus to constitute a species; a differentia.

   7. (Math.) The quantity by which one quantity differs from
      another, or the remainder left after subtracting the one
      from the other.

   {Ascensional difference}. See under {Ascensional}.

   Syn: Distinction; dissimilarity; dissimilitude; variation;
        diversity; variety; contrariety; disagreement; variance;
        contest; contention; dispute; controversy; debate;
        quarrel; wrangle; strife.

Ascensional \As*cen"sion*al\, a.
   Relating to ascension; connected with ascent; ascensive;
   tending upward; as, the ascensional power of a balloon.

   {Ascensional difference} (Astron.), the difference between
      oblique and right ascension; -- used chiefly as expressing
      the difference between the time of the rising or setting
      of a body and six o'clock, or six hours from its meridian
      passage.