discrīmen inis, n dis- + 2 CER-, that which parts, an intervening space, interval, distance, division, separation: cum (maria) pertenui discrimine separarentur: discrimina costis spina dabat, parted, V.: finem atque initium lucis exiguo discrimine internoscas, Ta.

— Poet.: Fossarumque morae, leti discrimina parva, i. e. the brink of death, V.: tenue leti, V.

—Fig., a distinction, difference, discrimination: hoc inter gratiosos civīs atque fortīs: sine discrimine armatos inermīs caedunt, L.: Discrimen obscurum solutis Crinibus, i. e. of sex, H.: sui alienique, L.: divinarum humanarumque rerum, L.

—Poet.: septem discrimina vocum, the seven intervals (of the scale), V.: parvi discriminis umbrae, slightly varying (of color), O.

—A decisive point, turning - point, critical moment, determination, decision: res in id discrimen adducta est: in discrimine est humanum genus, utrum, etc., L.: belli, Cu.: haec haud in magno ponam discrimine, regard as of great moment, L.

—Poet.: discrimine aperto, the test, O.

—A decisive moment, crisis, peril, risk, danger, hazard: in ipso discrimine periculi, L.: in summo rem esse discrimine, Cs.: salus sociorum summum in discrimen vocatur: in veteris fortunae discrimen adducitur: patriae: res p. in discrimen committenda, L.: quae multa vides discrimine tali, V.: discrimine vitae Coniugium pe tere, O.: ire obviam discrimini, Ta.

—A decisive battle: vehemens, Cu.