de·riv·a·tive (d
-rv
-tv)
adj.
1. Resulting from or employing derivation: a derivative word; a derivative process.
2. Copied or adapted from others: a highly derivative prose style.
n.
1. Something derived.
2. Linguistics A word formed from another by derivation, such as electricity from electric.
3. Mathematics
a. The limiting value of the ratio of the change in a function to the corresponding change in its independent variable.
b. The instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to its variable.
c. The slope of the tangent line to the graph of a function at a given point. Also called differential coefficient, fluxion.
4. Chemistry A compound derived or obtained from another and containing essential elements of the parent substance.
de·riva·tive·ly adv.
de·riva·tive·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
derivative
Adjective
based on other sources; not original
Noun
1. a word, idea, etc., that is derived from another
2. Maths the rate of change of one quantity with respect to another
