Determinant (noun)

1. A factor that decisively affects the course or outcome of something.
2. A matrix used in linear algebra to calculate the value of a determinant.

Origin:

Late 16th century: from latin determinant- "fixing the limits of", from the verb determinare (see determine).

Examples:

1. The weather is a determinant in crop yields.
2. The company's financial performance is a determinant of the stock price.
3. The determinant of a 2x2 matrix can be calculated using the formula a*d-b*c.
4. The determinant of a 3x3 matrix can be calculated using the formula a*(ei-fh) - b*(di-fg) + c*(dh-eg).
5. The determinant of a matrix is used to solve systems of linear equations.