“partial” is a noun and adjective with 5 meanings. Its most common meaning is: 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
noun
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
a harmonic with a frequency that is a multiple of the fundamental frequency
adjective
being or affecting only a part; not total
“a partial description of the suspect”
“partial collapse”
showing favoritism
(followed by `of' or `to') having a strong preference or liking for
“fond of chocolate”
“partial to horror movies”
Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University
