Dictionary
1derivative
noun de·riv·a·tive \di-ˈri-və-tiv\
: a word formed from another word
: something that comes from something else : a substance that is made from another substance
Full Definition of DERIVATIVE
1
: a word formed by derivation
2
: something derived
3
: the limit of the ratio of the change in a function to the corresponding change in its independent variable as the latter change approaches zero
4
a : a chemical substance related structurally to another substance and theoretically derivable from it b : a substance that can be made from another substance
5
: a contract or security that derives its value from that of an underlying asset (as another security) or from the value of a rate (as of interest or currency exchange) or index of asset value (as a stock index)
See derivative defined for English-language learners
See derivative defined for kids
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First Known Use of DERIVATIVE
15th century
Related to DERIVATIVE
- Synonyms
- by-product, derivate, derivation, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off
2derivative
adjective
: made up of parts from something else : not new or original
: formed from another word
Full Definition of DERIVATIVE
1
: formed by derivation <a derivative word>
2
: made up of or marked by derived elements
See derivative defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DERIVATIVE
circa 1530
Related to DERIVATIVE
- Synonyms
- secondary, secondhand
DERIVATIVE Defined for Kids
1derivative
noun de·riv·a·tive \di-ˈri-və-tiv\
Definition of DERIVATIVE for Kids
1
: a word formed from an earlier word or root <The word “Childhood” is a derivative of “child.”>
2
: something that is formed from something else <Gasoline is a derivative of petroleum.>
2derivative
adjective
Definition of DERIVATIVE for Kids
: formed from something else <a derivative product>
— de·riv·a·tive·ly adverb
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