Dictionary-Definition.com :: Derivative definition

Definition of 'derivative'

adjective

Resulting from or employing derivation; "a derivative process"; "a highly derivative prose style"

noun

The result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx [syn: derived function, derivative, differential coefficient, differential, first derivative]

noun

A compound obtained from, or regarded as derived from, another compound

noun

A financial instrument whose value is based on another security [syn: derivative instrument, derivative]

noun

(linguistics) a word that is derived from another word; "`electricity' is a derivative of `electric'"

From: GCIDE

Derivative \De*riv"a*tive\, a. [L. derivativus: cf. F. d['e]rivatif.] Obtained by derivation; derived; not radical, original, or fundamental; originating, deduced, or formed from something else; secondary; as, a derivative conveyance; a derivative word. [1913 Webster]
2. Hence, unoriginal (said of art or other intellectual products. [PJC]
Derivative circulation, a modification of the circulation found in some parts of the body, in which the arteries empty directly into the veins without the interposition of capillaries. --Flint. -- {De*riv"a*tive*ly}, adv. -- {De*riv"a*tive*ness}, n. [1913 Webster]

From: GCIDE

Derivative \De*riv"a*tive\, n.
1. That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from another. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
4. (Med.) An agent which is adapted to produce a derivation (in the medical sense). [1913 Webster]
5. (Math.) A derived function; a function obtained from a given function by a certain algebraic process. [1913 Webster]
Note: Except in the mode of derivation the derivative is the same as the differential coefficient. See {Differential coefficient}, under Differential. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]