Definition of "deferent"

deferent

/ˈdɛfəɹənt/

adjective
comparative more deferent, superlative most deferent
1. Showing deference; deferential.
2. (obsolete) Serving to carry; bearing.
  Quotations
  Bodies deferent.
  1631, Francis [Bacon], “(please specify |century=I to X)”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […]
noun
plural deferents
1. (anatomy) A deferent duct in the body, as opposed to an afferent one.
2. (historical, Ptolemaic astronomy) An imaginary circle surrounding the Earth, in whose periphery either the heavenly body or the centre of the heavenly body's epicycle was supposed to be carried round.
3. (obsolete) That which carries or conveys.
  Quotations
  though air be the most favorable deferent of sounds
  1631, Francis [Bacon], “(please specify |century=I to X)”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […]