derivative Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx
    derived function; differential; first derivative; differential coefficient.
  2. noun a compound obtained from, or regarded as derived from, another compound
  3. noun a financial instrument whose value is based on another security
    derivative instrument.
  4. noun (linguistics) a word that is derived from another word
    • `electricity' is a derivative of `electric'
  5. adjective satellite resulting from or employing derivation
    • a derivative process
    • a highly derivative prose style

WordNet

De*riv"a*tive adjective
Etymology
L. derivativus: cf. F. dérivatif.
Definitions
  1. Obtained by derivation; derived; not radical, original, or fundamental; originating, deduced, or formed from something else; secondary; as, a derivative conveyance; a derivative word. Flint. -- De*riv"a*tive*ly, adv. -- De*riv"a*tive*ness, n.
De*riv"a*tive noun
Definitions
  1. That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from another.
  2. (Gram.) A word formed from another word, by a prefix or suffix, an internal modification, or some other change; a word which takes its origin from a root.
  3. (Mus.) A chord, not fundamental, but obtained from another by inversion; or, vice versa, a ground tone or root implied in its harmonics in an actual chord.
  4. (Med.) An agent which is adapted to produce a derivation (in the medical sense).
  5. (Math.) A derived function; a function obtained from a given function by a certain algebraic process. ✍ Except in the mode of derivation the derivative is the same as the differential coefficient. See Differential coefficient, under Differential.
  6. (Chem.) A substance so related to another substance by modification or partial substitution as to be regarded as derived from it; thus, the amido compounds are derivatives of ammonia, and the hydrocarbons are derivatives of methane, benzene, etc.

Webster 1913