Skip to definition.
Get the FREE one-click dictionary software for Windows or the iPhone/iPad and Android apps


Adjective: partial  paa(r)-shul
  1. Being or affecting only a part; not total
    "a partial description of the suspect"; "partial collapse"; "a partial eclipse"; "a partial monopoly"; "partial immunity"
     
  2. (followed by 'of' or 'to') having a strong preference or liking for
    "partial to horror movies";
    - fond
     
  3. Constituting or comprising a part or fraction of a possible whole or entirety
    "a partial dose";
    - fractional
     
  4. Showing favouritism
Noun: partial  paa(r)-shul
  1. 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
    - partial derivative
     
  2. A harmonic with a frequency that is a multiple of the fundamental frequency
    - overtone, partial tone

Derived forms: partials

See also: aliquot, biased, colored [US], coloured [Brit, Cdn], divisional, fractional, fragmental, fragmentary, half, halfway, inclined, incomplete, integrity, one-sided, slanted, uncomplete, unfair, unity, unjust, waist-length, wholeness

Type of: derivative, derived function, differential, differential coefficient, first derivative, harmonic

Antonym: impartial, whole

Encyclopedia: Partial