determinant

1. (linear algebra) A scalar that encodes certain characteristics of a given transformation matrix; the unique scalar function over square matrices which is distributive over matrix multiplication, multilinear in the rows and columns, and takes the value 1 for the unit matrix; abbreviated as: det.Examples: "1966 [Allyn & Bacon], Howard Whitley Eves, Elementary Matrix Theory, 1980, Dover, Unabridged corrected republication, page 165, The determinant of a square matrix A_(n) is a function (actually a polynomial function) of the elements a_ij of A."; "1990, Assem S. Deif, Advanced Matrix Theory for Scientists and Engineers, Gordon and Breach Science Publishers (Abacus Press), 2nd Edition, page 18, Show that the determinant of a Hermitian matrix is real and that of a skew-Hermitian matrix is imaginary."; "Using this definition, we derive the basic properties of a determinant that are useful in its evaluation. In particular, it is shown how the calculation of a determinant can be reduced to the calculation of determinants of lower order."

2. (biology) A substance that causes a cell to adopt a particular fate.

3. (genetics) Something that causes a nuclease to cut at a specified point