'Deriving' definitions:

Definition of 'deriving'

(from WordNet)
noun
(historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical origins of a word or phrase [syn: deriving, derivation, etymologizing]

Definition of 'Deriving'

From: GCIDE
  • Derive \De*rive"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Derived; p. pr. & vb. n. Deriving.] [F. d['e]river, L. derivare; de- + rivus stream, brook. See Rival.]
  • 1. To turn the course of, as water; to divert and distribute into subordinate channels; to diffuse; to communicate; to transmit; -- followed by to, into, on, upon. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • For fear it [water] choke up the pits . . . they [the workman] derive it by other drains. --Holland. [1913 Webster]
  • Her due loves derived to that vile witch's share. --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
  • Derived to us by tradition from Adam to Noah. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To receive, as from a source or origin; to obtain by descent or by transmission; to draw; to deduce; -- followed by from. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To trace the origin, descent, or derivation of; to recognize transmission of; as, he derives this word from the Anglo-Saxon. [1913 Webster]
  • From these two causes . . . an ancient set of physicians derived all diseases. --Arbuthnot. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. (Chem.) To obtain one substance from another by actual or theoretical substitution; as, to derive an organic acid from its corresponding hydrocarbon.
  • Syn: To trace; deduce; infer. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Deriving'