derivation Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the source or origin from which something derives (i.e. comes or issues)
- he prefers shoes of Italian derivation
- music of Turkish derivation
noun (historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical origins of a word or phrase
deriving; etymologizing.
noun a line of reasoning that shows how a conclusion follows logically from accepted propositions
noun (descriptive linguistics) the process whereby new words are formed from existing words or bases by affixation
- `singer' from `sing' or `undo' from `do' are examples of derivations
noun inherited properties shared with others of your bloodline
lineage; filiation; ancestry.
noun drawing of fluid or inflammation away from a diseased part of the body
noun drawing off water from its main channel as for irrigation
noun the act of deriving something or obtaining something from a source or origin

L. derivatio: cf. F. dérivation. See Derive.

A leading or drawing off of water from a stream or source. Obs. T. Burnet.
The act of receiving anything from a source; the act of procuring an effect from a cause, means, or condition, as profits from capital, conclusions or opinions from evidence.
As touching traditional communication, . . . I do not doubt but many of those truths have had the help of that derivation. Sir M. Hale.
The act of tracing origin or descent, as in grammar or genealogy; as, the derivation of a word from an Aryan root.
The state or method of being derived; the relation of origin when established or asserted.
That from which a thing is derived.
That which is derived; a derivative; a deduction.
From the Euphrates into an artificial derivation of that river. Gibbon.
(Math.) The operation of deducing one function from another according to some fixed law, called the law of derivation, as the of differentiation or of integration.
(Med.) A drawing of humors or fluids from one part of the body to another, to relieve or lessen a morbid process.