Word.ws English Dictionary

limited-slip differential

limited-slip differential noun: a type of differential that allows its output shafts to rotate at different speeds but can limit the maximum difference in angular velocity between the output shafts, allowing greater torque to be applied to the slower-spinning shaft(s) and generally resulting in better traction than older-design differentials.

Noun

limited-slip differential (plural limited-slip differentials)

  1. A type of differential that allows its output shafts to rotate at different speeds but can limit the maximum difference in angular velocity between the output shafts, allowing greater torque to be applied to the slower-spinning shaft(s) and generally resulting in better traction than older-design differentials.
    • To get the facts on just what a limited-slip differential contributes to mobility under slippery conditions as well as on dry roads, we drew up plans for a series of tests1969 November, Jan P. Norbye, Jim Dunne, “The Truth about LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIALS”, in Popular Science, volume 195, number 5, page 118
    • A limited-slip differential on the transfer case divides the torque between front and rear axles, even if one axle has lost traction. This is similar to the limited-slip differential, optional on rear-drive cars, that transmits power to both rear wheels, even if one has lost traction1979 September, Paul Weissler, “Servicing the four-wheel drive Eagle”, in Popular Mechanics, page 94
    Synonyms:
    LSD, limited-slip diff

Examples of limited-slip differential in a sentence

  • This wrinkle in the system is corrected by a limited-slip differential.1992 November, Don Chaikin, “HOW IT WORKS: LIMITED-SLIP DIFFERENTIAL”, in Popular Mechanics, volume 169, number 11, page 104:
  • Limited-slip differentials allow normal differential action under normal driving conditions.2019, Kirk VanGelder, Fundamentals of Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, page 558:

Synonyms of limited-slip differential

  • LSD
  • limited-slip diff

Forms of limited-slip differential

plurallimited-slip differentials

Questions about limited-slip differential

What does limited-slip differential mean?
Limited-slip differential means a type of differential that allows its output shafts to rotate at different speeds but can limit the maximum difference in angular velocity between the output shafts, allowing greater torque to be applied to the slower-spinning shaft(s) and generally resulting in better traction than older-design differentials.
How do you use limited-slip differential in a sentence?
This wrinkle in the system is corrected by a limited-slip differential.
What part of speech is limited-slip differential?
Limited-slip differential is a noun.
What is the plural of limited-slip differential?
The plural of limited-slip differential is limited-slip differentials.

Words near limited-slip differential in the dictionary

  1. limited partnership
  2. limited partnerships
  3. limited-access highway
  4. limited-access highways
  5. limited-liability
  6. limited-slip differential
  7. limited-slip differentials
  8. limited-stop
  9. limitedly
  10. limitedness
  11. limiteds

Source and license

Adapted from Wiktionary: limited-slip differential (page history and authors). Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws reformatted the entry and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

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Cite this entry: “limited-slip differential.” Word.ws, https://word.ws/limited-slip_differential. Based on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.