What Does Differentiation Mean?

Differentiation refers to the process or act of differentiating, also of being in the state of "differentiated". It is also found in mathematics where it refers to the process by which derivatives are computed. In biology as well there is a differentiation and here it refers to cells and tissue that change during embryonic development towards a more specialised function or form.  

Differentiation can be defined as distinction or the act of distinguishing; similar concepts are separation, distinction and discrimination. Its antonym is association.

In normal usage of the word its synonym can include distinction whereas in its usage in biology it gives the meaning of specialisation. In terms of Medicine it can mean the possession or acquisition of a function or character that is distinct from the original.