Definition of: determinant

(di·tûr′mə·nənt) adjective Determinative.
—noun
1. That which influences to determine.
2. Math. A set of algebraic quantities arranged in a square matrix and operated upon according to special rules for the solution of various linear systems of equations.
3. Biol. A former name introduced by Weismann for one of the hypothetical secondary units of germ plasm or hereditary substance regulating the origin and the development of cells and systems of cells.